China Car Converted To Gas To Save On Petrol Price Explodes In Street

This is the moment a yellow car recently converted from petrol to gas suddenly exploded while being driven along a road, blowing off its roof and sending debris flying across a plaza.

The blast happened in Suixi County, in Anhui Province, eastern China, on 6 June, amid rising fuel prices that have made cheaper gas conversions more attractive to some motorists.

Footage shows the yellow vehicle moving along the edge of a paved public square when it is suddenly ripped apart by a massive explosion.

The force of the blast blows open the boot, tears away the roof and shatters the windows as fragments are hurled across the surrounding area.

A woman who appeared to be preparing to ride an electric bike nearby was seen rushing away as debris flew towards her.

A second clip shows the wrecked car later parked at the roadside with its bodywork torn apart.

Officials can be seen examining the badly damaged vehicle after emergency crews arrived at the scene.

The Suixi County Emergency Management Bureau said the vehicle had been converted from petrol to gas.

Officials said the car had been travelling normally at the time of the explosion.

Firefighters attended the scene after the blast and dealt with the immediate danger.

The case has now been handed over to traffic police for further handling.

Local media did not report any confirmed injuries in the blast.

Petrol prices in China are tightly regulated by the National Development and Reform Commission, with 95-octane petrol recently costing around RMB 8.97 per litre, about USD 1.32.

Autogas, or LPG, is significantly cheaper, with wholesale and retail prices reported at around RMB 5.80 to RMB 5.90 per litre equivalent.

That makes gas roughly a third cheaper than petrol by the litre, explaining why some drivers choose to convert vehicles despite the extra safety concerns if the work is not carried out or maintained properly.

(Aloysius Fernades/Newsflash)