Skip to content

Kent A21 dual carriageway closed after fuel tanker fire

Kathryn Schoeman Tanker on fire on A21Kathryn Schoeman
Witnesses reported several explosions and a "giant plume of smoke"

A busy dual carriageway has been closed after a fuel tanker caught fire.

The A21 remains shut in both directions while emergency services deal with aftermath of the blaze near Lamberhurst, Kent.

The fire began at about 11:45 BST and was brought under control by 16:30, Kent Fire and Rescue Service said.

Andrew Seale, who saw the fire from Lamberhurst Golf Club, said he heard four explosions and then saw a "massive plume of smoke" at about 12:30 BST.

KFRS The tanker was left to burnKFRS
The road will remain closed while the burned-out vehicle is removed

The road is expected to remain closed for several hours while the burned-out vehicle is recovered and emergency repairs are made to the carriageway.

Diversions are in place and Highways England has told drivers to expect delays.

Presentational grey line

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]