Kent A21 reopens after dramatic fuel tanker fire

The major road was closed in both directions after the blaze took hold of the southbound route, causing multiple explosions and large plumes of smoke to billow from the crash site.

Highways England said the lorry fire started shortly before midday on August 11 on the A21 near Lamberhurst in Kent, causing extensive delays.

Kent Fire and Rescue

But a spokesman said: "The situation was successfully resolved at 3am and the A21 has now fully reopened."

Whilst emergency services had the fire under control, officials were on the scenes until the early hours as the road required resurfacing before it could open again.

❗INCIDENT❗ - #A21 southbound #Lamberhurst Bypass there is a vehicle fire. The road is currently closed in both directions between the #A262 and #ScotneyCastle whilst @kentfirerescue and @KentPoliceRoads deal with the situation.

— Highways England (@HighwaysSEAST) August 11, 2021

At its height, six fire engines were at the scene although no one is believed to have been injured.

That was reduced to two fire engines and a bulk water carrier at around 4.30pm before the Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the blaze had been put out at 10pm last night.

Kent Fire and Rescue were advising people to stay away from the area whilst emergency services responded to the incident, as well as asking those living nearby to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution to the smoke.