This is the dramatic moment a toddler narrowly escaped being crushed when a manhole cover exploded out of the road in a freak accident (Thurs 22).

The square metal cover shot several feet into the air inches from the tot who had just walked over it. The accident is believed to have been caused by a build-up of gas under the road. Footage of the bizarre incident was captured on camera which happened as a couple and their young child walked along Warwick Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham at 12.20pm. The child, aged around three years old, is seen walking over the cover on a stretch of cordoned-off road seconds before it explodes into the air. The couple turn in horror to see the cover clattering to the ground just inches from the terrified youngster. West Midlands Fire Service are investigating the cause of the explosion which left a one-metre wide crater in the pavement.