Major route shut after lorry goes up in flames
A LORRY filled with cardboard went up in flames on the A417.
The major route was closed in both direction near Winstone after the blaze was reported at around 7.20am on Tuesday.
Pictures from the scene reveal huge flames engulfing the lorry, with thick, dark smoke pouring from the burning vehicle. A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said that a nearby pub was also involved in the fire and sustained some damage in the blaze.
The lorry was carrying cardboard when the fire started, which was also completely destroyed by the flames. Four fire engines tackled the blaze, which has now been extinguished. No injuries were reported, the spokesperson added.
A Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 7.21am to reports of a lorry fire on the A417. We sent four fire engines, two from Cheltenham, one from Cirencester and one from Gloucester North, to deal with the incident.
“A lorry carrying cardboard had caught fire and crews used four sets of breathing apparatus, two hose reels and two jets to put it out. The lorry and cardboard were 100 per cent damaged by fire and as the lorry was parked close to a nearby pub, there was slight damage to the pub (two per cent).
“There were no casualties and the carriageway has now been reopened. The stop time was 9.13am.”
According to National Highways, one lane was closed northbound to allow for clear up. Traffic was diverted around the incident and long delays formed at rush hour along the busy route.