This is the terrifying moment a power transformer exploded outside an apartment building in central Thailand.

Footage shows the explosion happening near the second-floor staircase of the homes in Samut Prakan province on May 1.

Five loud bangs were seen and heard on the Baan Eua Arthorn Apartment followed by sparks and black smoke while terrified residents watched.

Don Sukharat who lived in the apartment said the rumbling sounds echoed across the neighbourhood so they were evacuated our of the building.

He said: ‘We were informed that something was wrong with the electricity supply and were immediately asked to come out after hearing the first explosion.

‘The explosions continued on while we watched what was happening from the outside. It was really scary and my neighbours were with me in the car park.’

The incident caused a power outage to a few buildings that were located in the area but no one was reportedly injured.

The fire also did not spread across other areas in the buildings and was checked by repairmen immediately who informed the residents it was safe to return to their units after at least an hour.