FIREFIGHTERS say “badly parked cars” blocked their way as they rushed to the scene of a fire on a Southampton estate.

Following an incident in Townhill Park, in which a car exploded, Hightown Fire and Rescue said that their “attendance was delayed by badly parked cars blocking the road”.

In an online post the firefighters added added: “When parking always leave enough room for emergency vehicles to get through.”

A resident who did not wish to be named, said: “The emergency services could not get around the corner due to parked cars.

“It must have taken them five or ten minutes to get around.

“It was worrying and something needs to be done about the parking.

“That extra five or ten minutes could have been the death of someone.”

Two crews from High Town attended the fire at Paulet Close, just after 8.52pm on Wednesday

Residents described their shock after hearing a a series of loud explosions.

John Grugan, 66,who lives in Hallett Close said: “There were three of four explosions. It was shocking.

“Because there was more than one explosion I thought more than one car was on fire.”

.

Sabrina Terrain, 34 added: “It looked like the whole wood was on fire. The flames were really quite high.”

A spokesperson from Hampshire Fire and Rescue said: “The vehicle was fully destroyed and two lots of breathing apparatus and two hose reels were used to extinguish the fire.

“Crews left the scene just after 9:30pm and police attended.”

A spokesperson from Hampshire Police said: “We were made aware of this incident but no further police action is being taken at this time.”

The burnt-out vehicle was still at the scene yesterday.