AN EXPLODING gas cylinder sent a row of homes up in flames in Minster, near Sheerness, today.

Six fire engines from Sheppey and other parts of Kent were called to Minster Chalet Park off the Broadway at midday to tackle the fire that had engulfed eight brick-built chalets.

Crews from as far away as Tonbridge and Herne Bay were on stand-by.

A driver from W R G Pitney and Co based in Russell Street, Sheerness, had delivered a Calor gas cylinder to number 24 Hazel Grove, but it had exploded in his face.

He was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital, but his facial injuries were not thought to be life threatening.

The owner of the business, William Pitney, said he raced down to the site as soon as he got the call. He said: "The driver is OK. I was talking to him in the ambulance but I think the cylinder burned his face and hair."

Crowds gathered as the flames spread to other chalets on the block, with some owners devastated at watching helplessly as their homes collapsed.

Bridget and Ron Sawyers live at number 23 and had been trying to sell their chalet. They stood and watched as the fire crews tried to salvage items from their home.

Mrs Sawyers said: "I was on the phone at the time, then all of a sudden I heard this big roar and my husband shouted at me to get off the phone and call the fire brigade. I can't really believe what has happened."