A crane operator working at a construction site in Canada was rescued by helicopter after massive fire broke out beneath and hampered his escape.

He suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.

Fire crews worked to put out the blaze below, while a rescuer pulled him from the teetering edge of the crane.

The fire was located on the site of a student housing establishment that was under construction near Queens University in Kingston, Ontario.

Residents in the area said they heard loud explosions and were fearful of a potential gas leak.

Authorities warned locals to stay well away from the fire while crews resolved the situation.