A man in his 20s is being treated for injuries sustained in an explosion outside Youghal in Co Cork this morning.

Two units of the County Fire Service responded to the scene at welding firm 'C and B Services' in Millennium Court, Foxhole shortly before 9.30am.

It happened after an oil tank exploded as a plasma cutter was being used.

The injured man was knocked unconscious and is also understood to have sustained burns in the explosion.

He was airlifted to Cork University Hospital for treatment.

Health and Safety Authority (HSA) inspectors are en route to the scene to begin their investigation into the cause of the incident.