This is the shocking moment an oxygen tank exploded while being loaded into a garbage truck in Ohio.

Terrifying footage shows local waste workers collecting rubbish on the 4000 block of Elbern Avenue when an illegally discarded gas canister suddenly detonated on January 29.

Debris from plastic, paper, and glass inside the truck was torn to pieces and scattered across the area, with some fragments hitting one of the workers in the face.

Upon the explosion, the garbage collector covered his face and ran toward the roadside.

Moments later, they noticed the back of the truck was on fire, prompting them to extinguish the flames immediately to prevent another potential explosion.

Local media reported that the worker sustained minor cuts on his hand and face.

Oxygen tanks store gas under high pressure. If damaged or compromised, the pressurised oxygen can rapidly escape, causing the tank to rupture or explode.