Updated at 3pm

ONE MAN HAS been hospitalised following two explosions at a building by the IDA industrial estate in Waterford earlier today.

A gas cylinder is believed to have exploded at around 10am inside a storage facility and it is understood the injured man was the only person working in the building at the time.

The man, aged in his early 60s, sustained burns to his arms and face in the explosion, but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening and he is described as being in ‘comfortable’ condition at Waterford Regional Hospital.

A spokesperson for the IDA told TheJournal.ie that the explosion occurred in a shed owned by Waterford Institute of Technology, near where the college is leasing property from the IDA.

The man who was injured is understood to be a WIT staff member. Estate manager for the college Elaine Greenan said in a statement that the current priority is to “ensure that the area is made safe as soon as possible”. She said the college wishes their injured colleague a speedy recovery.

Waterford Fire Services said that there were two explosions at the site and gardaí said earlier that the immediate area has been cordoned off. People were evacuation from nearby buildings as a precaution.

The explosion is not being treated as suspicious, but the Health and Safety Authority is investigating the circumstances of the incident. The ESB, Board Gais and BOC are also at the scene today.

Greenan said that WIT would carry out an internal investigation into the incident, and will assist in the HSA’s inquiry “in any way we can”.

AA Roadwatch reports that both entrances to the industrial estate on the Cork Road have been closed following the incident.