Dramatic video has emerged of a car after it exploded into flames in an underground car park prompting an evacuation of a shopping centre.

Shoppers and residents from the apartments above Market Square Shopping Centre were led to safety in Mallow, County Cork as firefighters battled the blaze which damaged nearby cars.

Eyewitnesses told CorkBeo thick black smoke was seen billowing from the underground car park just after 6.15pm on Sunday, with the Fire Service arriving in minutes to douse the flames that destroyed the diesel car. "It looked like it could have been a lot worse," one said.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed: "Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to a fire that occurred in an underground carpark in Mallow, County Cork on Sunday 8th December 2024. A vehicle-related incident occurred around 6pm, with no reported injuries."

Cork County Council said: "Cork County Council can confirm that fire crews from Mallow, Charleville and Kanturk attended a car fire in the underground carpark of Market Square Shopping Centre at 6.18pm on the 8th of December.

"The fire was brought under control at 6.50pm. There were no reported injuries. There were a number of vehicles damaged and there was smoke damage to the building. A full evacuation of the shopping centre, cinema and apartments also took place."

Newly-elected Cork Deputy, Ken O'Flynn, told of his relief at how "everyone was safe" and reassured the public via a social media post. It read: "To the people of Mallow, we want to reassure you that there were no injuries in the fire that occurred in the car park this evening. The incident involved a diesel car, and while it was serious, there has been no significant damage to the building or surrounding infrastructure.

"Only the vehicles were affected, and we are pleased to report that the car park will be open and operational again very soon. Vehicles are currently being released as we speak. Grateful that everyone is safe!"

The Dunnes Stores in the Market Square Shopping Centre were open again on Monday morning but the car park remains closed.