Ambulance explodes like a ‘volcano’ moments after dropping off elderly patient

This is the crazy moment an ambulance explodes into a humongous fireball just moments after a pensioner was dropped off at home.

The video shows a carer checking the ambulance after a passerby noticed smoke coming from it in Barton-under-Needwood, Staffordshire, at around 1.45pm on March 14.

David and Marilyn Brinklow were having a quiet cup of tea when it was suddenly interrupted by the massive explosion which engulfed their front garden.

The ambulance exploded with so much force that the roof flew 50ft up into the air and crashed through David and Marilyn’s garage.

Marilyn, 74, said in shock: ‘It was like a Hollywood movie. I suffer with my nerves and it didn’t do me any good.’

It was only minutes earlier that two carers from the exact same ambulance dropped off the 91-year-old elderly wheelchair-bound neighbour.

No one was injured during the blaze but the fire melted the back of the couple’s Honda Civic, their living room windows shattered, and their curtains were singed.

It was extinguished before it could spread to any other properties.

The ambulance catches fire after smoke was seen coming out of it (Picture: David Brinklow/SWNS)

The couple’s front garden soon looked like something out of a disaster movie (Picture: David Brinklow/ SWNS)

Before long all that could be seen was flames and billowing smoke (Picture: David Brinklow/SWNS)

Marilyn continued: ‘I keep having flashbacks. There was nothing left of the ambulance and all the bits of it like a volcano were flying off like glass and started burning our nets.

‘It’s horrible to talk about.’

David, 69, said: ‘It went off like a roman candle. I was shocked – it was like a horror show.

‘It’s incredible no one was killed. Our neighbour was in the ambulance a short time before it exploded.’

David and Marilyn stand by their damaged garage in utter shock (Picture: Anita Maric/SWNS)

Marilyn now has flashbacks back to the moment when the ambulance exploded (Picture: Anita Maric/ SWNS)

What was left of the ambulance following the blaze (Picture: David Brinklow/SWNS)

The private ambulance company EMED, which provides patient transport, said is is investigating the cause of the explosion.

A spokesperson said: ‘On Thursday 14th March 2024, during a routine patient drop-off in Barton Under Needwood the engine of our ambulance caught fire.

‘Unfortunately, some of the neighbouring properties suffered damage, which we are now managing through our insurer.

‘All our ambulances undergo robust safety checks on a regular basis and our absolute priority is the safety of our patients and the communities we serve.

‘We are working closely with the vehicle manufacturer and an independent safety consultant as part of our on-going internal investigation.’

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