VAN NUYS, CA – In an unusual incident on Thursday night, a man survived a dramatic explosion inside his vehicle, which occurred while he was attempting to light a cigarette. The blast, fueled by butane canisters stored within the SUV, resulted in moderate injuries for the 37-year-old.

Around 10:30 p.m. in a bustling Van Nuys shopping center, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to an emergency call to find a Toyota 4-Runner that had been blown apart amidst the attempt of the man to light his cigarette. The intense explosion reverberated throughout the neighborhood, startling local residents and shoppers alike.

One local who lives in close proximity to the parking lot where the explosion happened described the sound as comparable to an earthquake, with the force of the blast shaking windows before it abruptly ended.

The victim, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was quickly attended to by first responders and taken to a nearby hospital. According to sources, his injuries, while serious, were not life-threatening.

The Los Angeles Police Department has since taken over the investigation from the fire department due to the absence of active flames to contend with at the scene. The affected parking lot was cordoned off as a precaution, though it was reported that no bystanders were hurt in the incident, and no other vehicles sustained damage.

Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances of the explosion, including querying why a significant quantity of butane was being stored inside the vehicle. Additional details are expected as officials continue their inquiry.