A major city in Russia has reportedly been rocked by an explosion, after a car seemingly went up in flames. Initial reports circulating on Russian news and Telegram accounts suggest a blaze erupted from a car in the city of Balashikha.

Harrowing pictures shared by Ukrainian account Exilenova+, seemingly taken after the alleged blast, appear to show a fire raging and thick black smoke rising from the flames. A short clip also appears to show the moments before the blast, with a car slowly travelling along a line of parked vehicles before an explosion erupts.

Russian news outlet Readovka reported on Telegram the alleged explosion erupted at 5.30pm local time.

The driver had reportedly just entered the car and started driving when the alleged explosion happened.

A driver was in the car at the time of the explosion, reports suggest.