A WOMAN was reportedly badly burned after a gas tank exploded at Upton Marina resulting in a “significant fire”.

Emergency crews raced to the scene just after midday yesterday, with an eyewitness claiming people were thrown from a boat by the explosion, with three vessels, including one 25 feet long, nearly completely destroyed.

Phil Hickman told us at the scene he had “not heard a noise like it” and described “thick black smoke” filling the sky.

“It was frightening,” he added.

A woman, badly burned, and her son, also injured, were airlifted to hospital, we understand, with a total of three people said to be injured.

One witness said: “At least two tenders and the RIB boat was seen rushing there being towed by a large fire vehicle.”

A Hereford and Worcester spokesman told us at the time the fire from the explosion spread to at least two other boats, and they were concerned about the gas cylinders on the boats.

The spokesman said at that point there are no casualties, as people cleared the area. Four fire engines were battling the fire at the scene, they added.

Fire Control tweeted: “Hereford and Worcester Fire Upton and Hereford and Worcester Fire Evesham and support crews currently in attendance at Upton Marina with a significant fire involving several boats - avoid area if possible.”

A woman who works at a nearby pub, who did not wish to be named, said: “Heard a bang, and there was an explosion. Upton firefighters were here within minutes. Four boats have been on fire. Heard three people were injured.”

Another witness said: “Police, fire, ambulances everywhere. Smoke getting worse. They have been pouring water”