VIDEO : WATCH: Van carrying oxygen cylinders blows up in Milan, setting fire to cars

A van carrying oxygen cylinders has exploded in Milan destroying around a dozen cars but causing no injuries beyond light burns to the driver, according to officials.

A van carrying oxygen cylinders has exploded in Milan destroying around a dozen cars but causing no injuries beyond light burns to the driver, according to officials.

Buildings in the immediate vicinity were evacuated, including a school, while damage was reported to a nearby pharmacy and two apartments.

Milan mayor Giuseppe Sala was quick to rule out a deliberate attack, telling reporters on the sidelines of an event: "It's a van carrying oxygen cylinders."