Russian car explodes on highway

A homemade gas-powered Russian car exploded as it drove slowly along a gridlocked highway with the unexpected blast recorded by a dashcam only metres away.

Witnesses said the explosion sent debris — which included a spare tyre — up to 10 metres in the air, The Express reported.

The unexpected explosion saw the driver and passenger from the white hatchback fleeing for their lives as the car's boot smouldered in a cloud of black smoke.

Moscow doctor Leo Konovalov treated driver Edgar Maslov, 23, and passenger Gabriel Yermolayev, 48.

He said the men have been left with a ringing in their ears and he was uncertain whether they would hear again.

"There was a massive pressure wave in the car caused by the exploding gas," Dr Konovalov said.

"If it was strong enough to send a heavy rubber tyre into the air, then you can imagine what it has done to the men's eardrums.

"It is too early yet to see if they will ever hear again, but the prognosis is certainly not good."

The vehicle was towed away by police who are awaiting an expert examination before they make any comment.

Source: Express.co.uk
Author: Nicholas McCallum, Approving editor: Nick Pearson