Quebec man loses lower leg after air compressor explosion

A Quebec man was forced to have his leg amputated after an air compressor exploded in Chelsea, Que.

Police in the province’s Outaouais region were called to a home on Chemin Maxwell for an explosion at about 12:30 p.m. ET.

When officers arrived, they said they found three men injured after an air compressor had exploded. The men had been trying to restore an antique car, police added.

A 44-year-old man suffered extensive damage to his lower leg, forcing doctors to amputate the leg at the knee in hospital.

Another man, who is 50, suffered head and back injuries, while a 58-year-old man was treated as a precaution but did not suffer any major injuries.

Police believe the compressor was old and had been damaged by rust, partially causing the explosion.