Shocking moment as car explodes in a ball of fire in Birmingham street

A vehicle, in the Small Heath area of Birmingham, suddenly caught fire and was engulfed in flames in a busy street this afternoon.

The dramatic incident happened around lunchtime on the corner of Charles Road and Green Lane.

Emergency services promptly arrived at the scene to tackle the fire and close off the street to other vehicles.

The shocking incident happened only a short distance from an opticians and a green grocers.

Pedestrians, shoppers and residents, including parents on their way back from local primary schools – which have a half day on Friday – were left in shock as plumes of thick black smoke circled around the scene of the fire.

West Midlands Fire crew arrived with two vehicles, and West Midlands Police were also at the scene to keep away other motorists as firefighters bravely contained the fire.

The busy location came to a standstill as emergency crews worked together around the scene of the dramatic incident.

Onlookers were warned to stand away at a distance for fear of the burning vehicle exploding and causing harm to bystanders.

The vehicle was left looking like a burnt-out shell after firefighters had doused the raging fire.

Thankfully, there are currently no reports of any injuries or fatalities.

It is not known what caused the vehicle to explode in a fiery ball of fire. An investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the conflagration.