Moment flames engulf lorry full of sawdust on major motorway sparking travel carnage

THIS is the moment a truck full of sawdust went up in flames on a major highway.

The fire caused travel havoc for thousands of motorists as the M62 was closed eastbound between junction 22 for Saddleworth and junction 24 for Huddersfield and Halifax from 10.20am this morning.

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Photos of the fire were posted on social media at 10:20 a.m. on Friday, November 29 Credit: YappAppThe truck was full of sawdust

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The truck was full of sawdustCredit: YappAppDue to the nature of the truck's load, the fire was difficult to extinguish

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Due to the nature of the lorry’s load, the fire was difficult to extinguishCredit: National Highways: YorkshireThe fire has reignited but appears to be under control now

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The fire has reignited but now appears to be under control Credit: National Highways: Yorkshire

Photos shared online show the truck on fire and smoke billowing into the air.

The fire engulfed the lorry before spreading across the grass verge.

Stoppages of 60 minutes are expected on the approach to the closure along with slow traffic on the detour route.

Two lanes are also closed westbound due to smoke drifting west.

Updated photos show the lorry on fire, with National Highways explaining why it was so difficult to extinguish the flames.

A National Highways spokesman said: “Due to the nature of the load on the lorry (sawdust) it proved difficult to fully extinguish the fire as it kept re-igniting.

“There is also significant smoke from the truck fire affecting both roads.

“It is therefore not safe to allow traffic on the eastbound carriageway to flow past the scene.”

Traffic data experts at INRIX said: “All traffic is temporarily suspended and traffic is at a standstill due to a lorry fire on the M62 Eastbound from J22 A672 (Rishworth Moor) to J23 A640 New Hey Road (Huddersfield).

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“Traffic was backed up around 10:25.”

West Yorkshire Fire, Police and National Highways Agency are at the scene.

Diversion of the route in its entirety

Road users traveling east are advised to follow the hollow circle turning symbol on road signs:

  • Exit at J22 and at the end of the junction turn left onto the A672
  • Follow the A672 to the junction with the A58
  • Continue forward to the A58
  • Follow the A58 through Sowerby Bridge and towards Halifax
  • At the junction with the A646 turn right
  • Follow the A646 to the junction with the A629
  • Turn right onto the A629 and continue to Ainley Top and J24 of the M62
  • Take the second exit at the J24 roundabout to rejoin the M62 eastbound

More to come… Keep checking The Sun Online for the latest on this story

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Smoke billowing into the air is shown

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Smoke billowing into the air is shownCredit: YappAppA lorry on the M62

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A lorry on the M62

Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education

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