Emergency services are at the scene of a gas bottle explosion in a work vehicle on Waterloo Road in Hornby.

The alarm was raised just after 9.30 this morning, when the vehicle was reported to be on fire.

Crews arrived to find several gas bottles involved, and at least one is believed to have exploded.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said five cylinders in total were affected.

“The situation is now contained, but our crews remain at the scene making the area safe,” the spokesperson said.

St John said they were notified of the incident at 9.36am and responded with two ambulances.

Two patients were assessed at the scene and transported to Christchurch Hospital in a moderate condition.

A police spokeswoman said police were responding to assist with traffic management at this stage.

Waterloo Road has been closed between Racecourse Road and SH1/Carmen Road.

The cause of the incident is still being investigated.