Blazing lorry closes the A41 in Shropshire
A lorry burst into flames on the A41 in Shropshire today, causing long delays for motorists.
Published
One lane of the road was blocked near Tong as the blaze ripped through the light goods vehicle.
Passing motorists alerted the lorry driver to pull over as sparks were seen coming from the vehicle at around 5.15am.
He managed to get away uninjured before the fire took hold, completely destroying the lorry's cab and almost half of the cardboard packed load.
[figure caption="Smoke billows from the lorry. Photo: @SFRSWellington" title="Smoke billows from the lorry. Photo: @SFRSWellington" size="100" align="center" url="/wpmvc/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CIZvTbrWUAADCOw.jpg" alt="Smoke billows from the lorry. Photo: @SFRSWellington" id="783163"]
Shaun Baker, fire investigation officer at the scene, said firefighters worked at the scene for more than five hours while a clean-up effort took place and smouldering cardboard was put in a skip.
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He said: "The fire was believed to have started due to a fault with the vehicle. Luckily the driver managed to pull over and get out before the fire took hold.
"It was a severe fire and crews did not leave the scene until 10.30am."
Firefighters from Albrighton, Telford and Wellington rushed to put out the blaze, which took place between the M54 at the Offoxey Road junction and Albrighton.
Heavy traffic built up in both directions causing disruption for commuters and residents in the area.
Police officers worked to direct the traffic and a representative from Shropshire Council attended.
Crews used breathing apparatus, a hosereel jet and small gear to tackle the fire.
