AT least 77 people have been injured after a gas canister exploded near Malaga in Spain.

Five victims are in a serious condition after the blast at a cafe in the town of Velez-Malaga, which sits 23 miles east to the east of the city, on the country's tourist-packed southern coast.

7 Carnage ... Investigators surveying the scene in Velez-Malaga Credit: Reuters

7 Destruction ... Gas blast blew up popular cafe Credit: Reuters

7 Aftermath ... Wreckage and debris outside the La Bohemia cafe Credit: RUPTLY

7 Resort … Velez-Malaga is on Spain’s popular Costa del Sol

That area of Spain is particularly popular with British holidaymakers and expats although it hasn't been confirmed what caused the gas explosion at the 'La Bohemia' cafe.

A spokesman for Spanish emergency services said the explosion rocked the resort yesterday at around 5pm when a local festival was taking place.

Shocking footage of the aftermath posted on social media shows panicked crowds screaming outside the cafe as it is engulfed in flames.

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Clips also show people fleeing the fire inside the cafe and running into the street outside which is covered in debris.

Local reports say a cook inside the cafe was able to warn customers of the fire which gave them enough time to escape serious injury.

7 Panic ... Crowds look on in horror as cafe is gutted by flames Credit: Twitter / lolohirschfeld

7 Busy ... Area was packed with tourists and revellers enjoying a Saturday evening out Credit: Twitter / lolohirschfeld

7 Blast ... At least 77 people were injured, five critically Credit: Twitter / lolohirschfeld

It has also been reported that some of the injured needed to be taken to hospital in police cars as there were not enough ambulances.

The mayor of the town, which is home to around 75,000 people, said: "It appears that there may have been a gas leak with overheating and fire."

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