Man injured in vehicle blast

DENPASAR, Bali: A van carrying gasoline exploded here on Wednesday, severely injuring its driver.

The vehicle, which was formerly used as public transportation vehicle, was transporting 25 plastic tanks containing 20 liters of gasoline each. They were to be sold to motorboat and speedboat owners at Mertasari beach in Sanur.

The driver, I Nyoman Panca, 25, tried to douse the flames on his body by rolling on the shoulder of Ngurah Rai highway before local residents helped him. He was taken to Sanglah Hospital.

A paramedic at the hospital said Nyoman suffered second degree burns and would probably recover.

Sanur Police chief First Let. Darmawansyah said the fire probably ignited from leaking gasoline reaching the vehicle's battery. (08/zen)