Irishman feared dead after Darwin explosion

The Irish embassy in Australia is providing assistance to the family of an Irishman feared dead after an explosion in Darwin.

The blast happened at about 6.30am today, local time.

Police believe it was caused by gas igniting in a cylinder which was in the man's vehicle.

The 24-year-old man is originally from Co Cavan and had been working as a refrigeration mechanic in Australia.

His family has been notified and the Irish embassy in Australia is providing assistance.

A full investigation into the incident is underway.

Speaking to ABC news in Darwin, a woman who heard the blast and ran out to see what had happened said: "We woke up with a big bang…I ran out. All I could see was this car in flames and a body on the footpath to the side,"