A MAN who died in a car explosion in a college car park has been named.

Vimalkumar Patel, aged 42, was found in a car which burst into flames in the grounds of Seevic College in Runnymede Close, Thundersley, on February 6.

He pulled into the forecourt of the college at about 4.55pm and moments later his car exploded into a ball of flames.

An initial post-mortem examination found Mr Patel, who lived In Kiln Road, Thundersley, died from inhalation, flames and burning.

The circumstances leading up to Mr Patel’s death are still unconfirmed. Police are not treating the fire as suspicious.

A short report was given to senior Essex coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray yesterday as she opened and adjourned an inquest into his death. A full inquest will be held on March 31.

She said: “The court will require a copy of the postmortem examination, and reports from the police and fire and rescue. We also need something from the family.”

The blaze lead Seevic College to go into lockdown as investigations were carried out on the night of the incident.

Witnesses reported hearing a series of explosions as the fire engulfed the vehicle.

More than ten police cars attended and two crews from Rayleigh Weir fire station rushed to put out the fire.

When they got there, they found the car was completely alight.

Most of the students had gone home, but some college pupils were leaving the building as the blast happened.

Seevic principal Nick Spenceley heldaminute’s silence the following day at the college to pay respects to Mr Patel.