Explosion in Barnet rubbish truck narrowly misses worker

Barnet refuse workers came within seconds of serious injury after loading a bin, which contained a combustible item, into a refuse truck.

Barnet Council said the object was crushed by the lorry’s impactor, causing debris to be fired onto the street.

Fortunately the workers escaped unharmed.

It follows a similar incident earlier this year, in which a set of lithium batteries caught fire and burned a hole in the side of a bin lorry.

The council reminded householders not to put combustible items in waste bins and that they can be recycled at its recycling centres.

Cllr Alan Schneiderman, Barnet Council's cabinet member for environment and climate change, said:

“The video is incredibly shocking, and we’re relieved that the crew members escaped unharmed.

“I hope this helps people to understand how important it is to properly recycle items such as gas canisters and bottles, batteries and aerosols, as on another day we might not have been so lucky.”