Sergeant Paul Stanhope, of Hamilton police, said the man heard an “explosion” in the rear canopy area of the ute about 3.30pm and pulled over onto grass.

He said flames, which leapt from the rear cargo area, rapidly engulfed the vehicle.

Driver Doug Ezard, 68, said his eyebrows were singed when tried to open the tailgate of the vehicle.

“They were a bit toasty on the end,” he said.

Mr Ezard said when he heard a noise in the rear of the vehicle he pulled over, leaving the motor running and the handbrake on while he investigated.

When he saw the flames, he turned off the vehicle – which was only 16 months old – and got himself to a safe distance.

Hamilton Fire Brigade captain Malcolm Anderson said the blaze was quickly extinguished and it was believed the gas bottle in the rear of the vehicle may have vented and caught fire. However, investigations were continuing, he said.

“He did a good job and got off the road,” Mr Anderson said.

A police officer, who happened to be driving past at the time, stopped to help ensure the driver had got out of the vehicle safely.

“Luckily he didn’t get injured, but unfortunately he lost his vehicle,” Mr Anderson said.

He said there were a number of small explosions while they were fighting the fire when the vehicle’s tyres heated up and popped.

Mr Ezard said the the gas struts from the tailgate also exploded and he found pieces about 20 metres away.