Irish Patient Dies After Ambulance Explodes Outside Hospital (Photos)

The man, believed to be about 70, was in the back of the ambulance when the explosion happened at about 1.30pm outside Naas General Hospital. Two paramedics were also burned in the fireball, which may have ignited after an oxygen tank exploded in the back of the ambulance.

An eyewitness told how she heard a ‘big, loud bang’ and saw bits of debris flying in the air from the explosion:

Emergency services have evacuated parts of Naas General Hospital as firefighters battled the blaze this afternoon

PADDY CUMMINS/PCPHOTO.IE

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Two medics were also injured in the fire

Ambulance explodes into flames by A&E department in Ireland

It is believed the patient killed in the explosion was in the ambulance when it was engulfed by flames.

One of the two crew members hurt in the explosion suffered serious burns to the head, face and upper body.

Emergency services evacuated parts of the building as firefighters battled the blaze at 2pm today.

An eyewitness tweeted this afternoon: “Looks like Naas Hospital A&E may be shut for a while if you’re heading there.

"Ambulance after exploding outside it."

Thick black smoke was seen billowing from the ambulance parked outside the hospital.

It is not yet clear what sparked the explosion which resulted in a number of patients being evacuated from the building.

Police have cordoned off the scene.