Workman in critical condition after van ‘explodes’ on Mare Street

Members of the Fire Investigation Unit inspect the charred van. Photograph: Hackney Citizen

A workman is fighting for his life in hospital with “serious burn injuries” after a van exploded into flames and set fire to a shop.

The van caught fire just after midday on Sunday 11 January and the blaze quickly spread to the ground floor of a nearby off licence.

Four fire engines and around 20 firefighters attended the scene.

Police cordon outside Mega off licence. Photograph: Hackney Citizen

A police spokesperson said that the fire might have been caused as a result of a works carried out near a generator inside a commercial property.

The injured man was taken to an East London hospital in a critical condition.

There are no other reported injuries.

A police cordon and local road closures are in effect. Paragon Lane and Loddiges Road remain closed.

Fire Investigation team look inside the van. Photograph: Hackney Citizen