Yahoo News Toxic smoke billows across A38 as tanker fire causes chaos
Large plumes of toxic black smoke have been photographed in Devon after a tanker caught fire on the A38. Firefighters are at the scene battling flames and the main road has been closed in both directions, near Wrangaton, near Ivybridge.
The fire is reported to have broken out just after 9pm today (Tuesday, June 25) and motorists have been urged to avoid the area while emergency services are at the scene. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "We are currently dealing with a tanker fire on the A38 near Forder Lane, the vehicle is well alight and police are closing both carriageways, please avoid the area until further notice."
Photos taken of the blaze show dark clouds of smoke billowing out over the A38. Though taken from a distance, some pictures show the vehicle on fire.
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The road is closed in both directions between Ivybridge and Wrangaton, according to reports. Traffic monitor Inrix says: "A38 in both directions closed due to lorry fire from Westover (Ivybridge) to A3121 Kingsbridge Road (Wrangaton Cross, Wrangaton). Ongoing since around 21:05."
One eyewitness told DevonLive: "Not sure what's caught fire near Ivybridge but it's a bad one." A motorist in the A38 traffic added: "I'm stuck in traffic, it's not moving at all."
National Highways said: "Traffic is HELD in BOTH DIRECTIONS on the #A38 between the #A3121 #Wrangaton and the #B3213 #Ivybridge due to a lorry fire. @DSFireUpdates and National Highways Traffic Officers are on scene. More information to follow, thank you for your patience."
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