A WOMAN was injured when a gas tumble dryer exploded in a launderette, shattering the shop's window.

The incident happened at around 3.15pm on Saturday afternoon at Wilnecote Washeteria in Bowling Green Avenue, Wilnecote.

As the female worker went to switch on the machine, there was an explosion which blew out the bottom panel of the machine, causing her cuts and bruises. The force of the blast also blew out one of the windows in the building.

An ambulance and two fire engines attended the scene.

Watch manager Sam Parker said: "There were two casualties, a staff member who suffered cuts, bruising and shock and another lady who suffered shock.

"The force of air, blew out two plate glass windows so it is lucky no-one was walking in front of the shop at the time.

"Apparently, after the explosion, a duvet in the drier ignited, but one of the women managed to drag it outside and borrow a fire extinguisher to put it out.

"We went in and isolated the gas and electricity supplies to make sure everything was safe," he added. Mohamed Ravat, who has owned the shop since 1999, told the Herald: "Our appliances are serviced yearly and I have never known anything like this before. I wasn't there when it happened, but apparently one of my staff went to switch on a gas drier and it exploded and injured her.

"But we have had to close so we can investigate what has happened and make sure everything is completely safe.

"I would like to apologise to our customers for the inconvenience and thank everyone for their support. We will be open for business as soon as possible."