Tractor fire closes A12
2nd July 2018
A tractor fire has brought the A12 to a standstill in both directions. The tractor was carrying a trailer of hay, which is believed to have caught alight at around
A tractor fire has brought the A12 to a standstill in both directions.
The tractor was carrying a trailer of hay, which is believed to have caught alight at around 1.00pm when travelling southbound on the A12 between J17 and J16, near Chelmsford, Essex.
Five fire engines are believed to have been called to the scene.
Traffic is currently at a complete standstill, with motorists getting out of their cars and walking along the carriageway to catch a glimpse of the smoke billowing from the dual-carriageway.
Police are attempting to turn traffic around, but the road has now been blocked by a jackknifed lorry.
Told to turn around on A12 only to be blocked in by Jack knifed lorries pic.twitter.com/TNgVf28bpW
— Cormac McCarthy (@camroc1972) July 2, 2018
The northbound carriageway has since reopened, with the southbound carriageway expected to stay closed for the next several hours.
A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We’re closing the A12 in both directions due to a fire between junction 17 for Howe Green and junction 16 for Galleywood.
“It’s expected to be closed for some time and this will cause disruption.
“Please avoid the area and plan your journey.”
The fire completely destroyed the tractor.
The #A12 reopens northbound between Galleywood and Howe Green as fire crews continue to tackle a blaze involving a tractor and hay bales on the southbound carriageway.
Both lanes remain closed southbound, with many motorists stood outside their vehicles or sitting in the shade. pic.twitter.com/rmeKQK0DJY
— BBC Essex (@BBCEssex) July 2, 2018
