Lorry explodes in middle of road
Drivers are being warned to avoid the A19 around Thirsk after a lorry exploded on the carriageway. Officers were called at around 9.45am today after reports that a load of hay bales had caught fire on the back of a wagon.
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Fire update: Road will remain closed for a further two hours
The lorry involved in a fire on a main road in Thirsk has been moved, however some of the bales which fell onto the A19 remain on fire and are causing a lot of smoke to blow onto the carriageway.
The road surface and bridge have been checked and are structurally sound however highways officials and the fire service have decided that the A19 and the A170 should remain closed due to the danger that the smoke will cause to motorists.
The road is expected to remain closed for another two hours.
Video: Dramatic footage as lorry explodes in Thirsk
Drivers are being warned to avoid the A19 around Thirsk after a lorry exploded on the carriageway.
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Video: Dramatic pictures of lorry fire on the A19, Thirsk
Severe delays, road closed and queueing traffic for five miles due to debris on road and lorry fire on A19 York Road in both directions between A168 and A61, congestion on Southbound A19 to Knayton and on Northbound A168 to B1448 Topcliffe Road.