An explosion in Canberra has destroyed several stores and sent a man to hospital. 

The blast in Rae St, Belconnen unfolded about 7.30pm on Monday, with a string of businesses including a kebab store gutted by fire. 

Several other properties were also damaged by fire and smoke. 

Security camera footage reveals the moment the explosion set off, showering neighbouring buildings with debris and narrowly missing bystanders in the car park. 

The blast left behind a wreck of twisted metal, shattered glass and debris across the area. 

ACT Police Detective Acting Inspector Emily McCallum said it was lucky more people weren't hurt. 

"It's in a very well used area, there are a lot of local takeaway places, service stations, and things like that," she told reporters. 

"So, yes, (we're) obviously very, very grateful that there was only one person injured." 

Firefighters attended the scene to extinguish blazes in several premises. 

Paramedics also attended, taking one man to hospital for treatment. 

The full extent of the damage is still being determined. 

Several roads in the area were closed, and expected to remain closed into Tuesday morning. 

ACT Policing said the cause of the fire is not known, and remains under investigation. 

- by Melissa Iaria, news.com.au