Gas bottle explodes on truck, injured drive themselves to hospital

The incident happened today near Waiora. Photo / File

Three people were admitted to hospital today after a gas bottle exploded on a truck in Hawkes Bay.

It is believed the incident happened at lunchtime near Waiora and the occupants of the vehicle drove themselves straight to the town's hospital for treatment.

Police were notified just after 1pm and fire fighters checked over the truck in the hospital carpark.

"An acetylene bottle possibly used for welding exploded and the driver and his passengers headed directly to hospital for medical checks," a police spokesman said.

The people involved were being assessed at Waiora Hospital before being transferred to Hawkes Bay Hospital for further treatment.