A MAN who had an amazing escape when a hut exploded at a firm on a Bolton industrial estate was recovering at home today.

David Lowe escaped with minor injuries when a gas heater -- which had been leaking overnight -- exploded when he turned on a radio.

The blast devastated the hut at the premises of the Bolton Fencing Company on the Raikes Clough Industrial Estate, Burnden Road, Bolton.

As revealed in the Bolton Evening News last night, Mr Lowe was discovered lying in the debris by a passer-by. Police said he was lucky to be alive. They revealed his life was saved by a door which shielded him from the full force of the blast.

Mr Lowe drove himself to the Royal Bolton Hospital where he was treated for minor burns before being allowed home.

The incident is being investigated by officials from the Health and Safety Executive.

A spokesman for the executive said: "We have been made aware of the situation. Further enquiries need to be carried out before any specific comments can be made."