Late Thursday night, a dramatic explosion destroyed a Toyota SUV in the parking lot of a Los Angeles shopping plaza, located near the intersection of Van Nuys Boulevard and Sherman Way in the Van Nuys neighborhood. The white Toyota 4Runner was obliterated by the blast, which sent debris scattering across the lot.

SkyFOX captured aerial footage of the scene, revealing the extent of the destruction. The charred remains of the SUV were surrounded by shattered glass and twisted metal, a stark testament to the explosion's intensity.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported that they were initially called to assist the fire department with crowd control as bystanders gathered to witness the aftermath. Upon arrival, LAPD officers were briefed on the explosion. Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident was caused by a dangerous combination of factors within the vehicle.

Officials stated that a man, who had been living in the SUV, had ignited a cigarette while a propane tank was inside the vehicle. The ignition source, combined with the highly flammable propane gas, triggered a powerful explosion. The force of the blast was substantial enough to completely destroy the SUV and damage nearby vehicles and property.

Miraculously, the man involved in the explosion sustained only minor injuries. Emergency medical services arrived promptly, and he was treated at the scene before being transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. Authorities have confirmed that he is expected to survive.

The incident prompted a significant response from local emergency services. Firefighters worked to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and to secure the area, preventing any additional explosions or fires. Hazmat teams were also deployed to manage any potential hazardous materials resulting from the explosion.

Residents and shoppers in the area were startled by the loud explosion, with some reporting feeling the ground shake from the blast. "I heard a massive boom and saw a fireball go up," said a nearby resident. "It was terrifying."

The LAPD and fire department are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact sequence of events and to ensure there are no further safety risks. Investigators are also looking into why the man had a propane tank in his vehicle and the circumstances leading to his living situation in the SUV.

This incident underscores the dangers of improper storage and handling of flammable materials, especially in enclosed spaces. Authorities are reminding the public to exercise caution with propane tanks and other hazardous materials, particularly around ignition sources such as cigarettes.

As the investigation continues, the community is left to reflect on the narrow escape from a potentially more devastating outcome. The shopping plaza, a typically busy location, could have witnessed far greater casualties if not for the time of night and the relative isolation of the incident.