Man killed in van explosion

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- A New Haven man was killed after his van burst into flames early Saturday morning.

The incident occurred just before 2 a.m., at 125 Lexington Ave.

Callers reported to 911 that they heard an explosion from the small parking lot behind the Lexington Ave. apartment house.

Upon arrival, police and firefighters found a Ford Windstar mini-van fully engulfed in flames. Neighbors had attempted to get the driver out of the vehicle, but were unable to get close enough due to the intense heat.

Initial reports were that the vehicle had been running prior to the explosion.

Jerrod Vasquez, a 33-year-old resident of the Lexington Ave. home, was killed in the fire.

Officials said his wife was home at the time and was taken to a city hospital for what was suspected to be an emotional break down.

Inspectors from the CT State Fire Marshal's Office and investigators from the New Haven Fire Department's Arson Unit and the New Haven Police Department are investigating the cause of the fire.

Officials said preliminary reports suggest that the fire started in the engine compartment.