A WORKMAN had a lucky escape after the forklift truck he was driving burst into flames.

The operative had been unloading pallets from a new low-loader at the Tetrosyl plant in Heap Bridge on Monday afternoon when he noticed flames were erupting from underneath his seat.

Shocked by the unexpected blaze, he quickly jumped off the truck and alerted his colleagues.

Fire rapidly engulfed the forklift and there were fears that a propane tank attached to the back of the vehicle may explode.

The area was swiftly evacuated and fire crews were called to the scene at around 2.15pm.

Fast acting firefighters then beat back to blaze and worked to cool the propane cylinder.

They also battled to prevent the flames from spreading to the car care product firm's new and "very expensive" Scania low-loader lorry ­— ensuring the valuable cab remained unscathed.

Steve Wilcock, watch manager at Bury Fire Station, said: "This fire really took the workman by surprise.

"He had been going about his normal duties and was unloading pallets when his forklift burst into flame and he saw flames coming from under his seat.

"We would like to commend the company's response. Everyone was evacuated, they did a great job, and it was really well handled."

After bringing the fire under control, fire crews made the area safe and remained on the scene for around 40 minutes.

However, it is still unknown what caused the forklift truck to ignite.

Mr Wilcock said: "The damage to the forklift was so severe that it is very difficult to pin down what the exact cause was.

"But sometimes it happens that these vehicles have a fault on them."