Large Explosion Rocks Central Milan, Several Vehicles On Fire

Several vehicles caught fire in the centre of Milan in northern Italy on Thursday following an explosion, possibly originating from a van, the news channel SkyTG24 reported.

"One person injured when several vehicles went up in flames in the centre of Milan in northern Italy after an explosion. There were no reports of any deaths. Italian media said the explosion was suspected to have originated in a van transporting oxygen gas canisters," reports Reuters.

Italian daily La Repubblica reported the vehicle was carrying oxygen cylinders when it exploded, triggering domino explosions.

"The explosion would have been triggered by a truck which carried oxygen tanks. One person was reportedly injured slightly," the Italian newspaper reported.

Video footages showed several vehicles engulfed in flames, with plumes of thick black smoke rising above the wreckage.

According to Reuters, the blazing cars were soon extinguished, smoke was seen billowing from the windows of nearby buildings.

Corriere della Sera newspaper said a primary school and a residential building was evacuated following the explosion.

However, the exact cause of explosion still remains unknown and investigators are probing the incident.