Lorry blaze leaves 17t of gammon spread across road

Fire fighters from the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to the blaze on the A30 near Okehampton at 1:35am on January 11.

Two appliances arrived at the scene to find the articulated trailer well alight in a layby on the dual carriageway, with its contents spilt across the road.

A fire service spokesman said: “The fire involved an articulated trailer with fridge unit containing approximately 17t of packaged meat.  About 50% of trailer and the entire contents were severely damaged by fire.​ 

Deemed accidental​

Crews battled the conflagration using one compressed air foam jet, with four fire fighters using breathing apparatus. The cause of the fire was deemed accidental.

Police were alerted to the incident at around 1.40am and assisted with road closures.

The Devon, Cornwall and Dorset road police twitter account, Alliance RPT, posted images of the stranded trailer (see below).

On scene at A30 eastbound Okehampton with an overnight HGV trailer fire. Significant damage to both trailer and the road itself. Arranging suitable recovery. Will need major lifting kit so may take some time. Please drive with care at scene. Sgt Dave T @DC_Police@DevonLiveNewspic.twitter.com/HI1aNd0X65

— Alliance RPT (@RoadPolAlliance) January 11, 2018

1st short road closure on now while we move equipment. A30 Sourton @DevonLiveNews@CornwallLive@HighwaysSWEST@DC_Policepic.twitter.com/7Y5aCjSMam

— Alliance RPT (@RoadPolAlliance) January 11, 2018

The fire had caused significant damage to the trailer and the road itself, said Alliance RPT, which required heavy machinery to be put in place to assist in recovery. Recovery of the trailer commenced at 12.30pm.

Last year saw a number of incidents involving lorries carrying food causing disruption on Britain’s roads.

In August, Motorists were left stranded after a collision between a lorry and a caravan left 24t of flour strewn across the M5.​

Meanwhile, in July, a lorry transporting 25t of Lion chocolate bars was engulfed by flames​ causing hours of delays for motorists heading to London.