An explosion has obliterated an Italian restaurant in Clare, South Australia, scattering debris across vehicles in the town’s bustling center.

The blast took place on a Saturday morning, just 50 meters from the town’s popular Christmas market, which typically draws both tourists and locals alike.

The powerful explosion completely destroyed the rear section of Pancho’s Pizza and Pasta, with the impact force shattering windows in the surrounding buildings.

Witness Teesha Whellum described the scene, saying, “I looked up and saw the building’s roof lift into the air before crashing back down.”

Another witness, Tina Couper, reported that her car was hit by falling debris from the blast.

“Rained stuff all over my car, I was lucky to be in my car in fact, otherwise I would’ve been showered in glass.”

“There were bits and pieces of the building out in the main street. It was that big an explosion,” local Kim Henshaw said.

“It actually shook the old town hall. The lights inside were shaking.”

Emergency services attended a small fire which had ignited during the blast.

Authorities have confirmed that the restaurant was closed at the time of the explosion, and there were no reported injuries.

“There was no one in the building and there is no one unaccounted for at this stage,” CFS officer Sonia Post said.

The restaurant’s owner was reportedly in bed just metres away from his restaurant when the explosion occurred.

The damage bill is expected to be $750,000.

Traffic was diverted away from the scene by police throughout the day as investigations commenced.

“I was a bit shaky, bit shaky, because it’s not what you expect on a Saturday morning,” Teesha Whellum said.

“It’s been quite a dramatic start to the day really,” Couper added.

Clare Mayor Allan Aughey acknowledged the challenges ahead for the business.

“The business will be up against it for a while but we’re a group of country folk here that help out, and there’ll be every assistance given voluntarily.”