Explosion In Car Outside Of Plano Bank
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PLANO (CBSDFW.COM) - There was an explosion outside of a bank in Plano on Tuesday night, and police said that a man with multiple compressed air canisters was to blame. The blast happened at around 9:30 p.m. at the Bank of America location along Park Boulevard near the Dallas North Tollway.
According to David Tilley with the Plano Police Department, officers responded to the scene and discovered a vehicle that had been damaged in the explosion. Witnesses reported seeing a man get out of the car and run away from the location.
Police followed protocol and had a bomb squad report to the scene. "They did not locate an explosive device," Tilley explained.
A short time later, law enforcement officials were notified about a man who had shown up at a local hospital with burns. That patient was transferred to Parkland Hospital in Dallas. He is expected to recover. His name has not been released.
After conducting an investigation, authorities determined that the man was inside of his car with multiple cans of compressed air duster product -- that which is typically used to clean computers. The product contains an ingredient called difluorothane, which is highly flammable. Investigators believe that the man then lit a cigarette and caused the blast.
It was first reported that the man was inhaling nitrous oxide inside of the car -- popularly called whip-its. Police later said that this was not the case, however, it is not known if the air duster product was being used in an improper manner.
Officials have not said if the man will face any charges.