Published Friday, 21 September 2012
The scene of the explosion in a bin lorry, in the Holyland area of south Belfast (© Pacemaker)
The incident happened in Carmel Street in the Holylands area on Friday afternoon.
Eyewitnesses told UTV two bin men who were standing nearby were "blown off their feet" by the blast, which sent rubbish flying across the street.
The pair were taken to hospital in a state of shock and treated for ringing in the ears.
Meanwhile police and army technical officers were tasked to investigate the scene.
They said nothing untoward was found and believe the "low level" explosion, which occurred inside the bin lorry, was caused by a fire extinguisher.
Carmel Street has now been reopened to traffic.