Fire engulfs lorry loaded with lithium batteries

5 hours ago

News image — Firefighters used air foam to smother the fire on the A2030 Eastern Road

HIWFRS Lorry trailer with metal container on it covered in foam after being on fire. — Firefighters used air foam to smother the fire on the A2030 Eastern Road

Drivers faced delays and residents were urged to close windows and doors after a lorry trailer carrying lithium batteries and scrap metal caught fire on a major route.

The fire broke out in the load on the trailer on the A2030 Eastern Road in Portsmouth on Wednesday at about 16:45 BST.

The fire sent out thick smoke prompting a warning to residents in the area from the fire service, with the road also closed both ways while crews used air foam, hose reel jets and an aerial platform to bring the fire under control.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service said the driver was checked over by paramedics for smoke inhalation and cleared without needing further treatment.

HIWFRS Large lorry on fire with vast black plume of smoke coming from it. Multiple fire engines can be seen alongside the lorry. — The fire sent up a thick smoke plume prompting a warning from fire crews for people to shut their windows

The fire service said the trailer was taken to a secure location, where crews checked over the load inside to make sure it had been fully extinguished.

The road was closed between Anchorage Road and Airport Service Road for several hours.