Air freshener causes parked car to explode with passenger inside

Rescue workers are blaming a can of air freshener and a cigarette for the explosion that blew out a car's doors, windows and even its roof early Wednesday afternoon.

"The explosion happened after a build-up of gases from an air freshener was accidentally ignited by a cigarette," Essex Fire and Rescue Service told the BBC.

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The Southend Echo reports that a woman had been sitting in the Ford Focus outside a B&Q, a chain of home improvement stores, in Southend, Essex, when the sudden blast took place.

"Just missed witnessing car explosion near Southend. Very loud bang," Albert Quixall tweeted. "Ford Focus doors, windscreen, roof blown out. B&Q staff rushing to help."

Fire services, police and an ambulance were dispatched immediately.

The victim was treated at the scene then taken to Southend University Hospital. She suffered only minor injuries despite the devastating outcome the incident had on the car.

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