Lorry Explodes in Dramatic A1 Blaze, Tyres Catapulted 30 Feet High

Lorry Explodes in Dramatic A1 Blaze, Tyres Catapulted 30 Feet High

A lorry burst into flames following a two-vehicle crash on the A1 in East Lothian today, in an incident described by witnesses as "like something out of a film." The dramatic fire caused the vehicle's tyres to be propelled an estimated 30 feet into the air, according to reports.

Emergency Response and Road Closure

Emergency services raced to the scene on the A1, between the Thistly Cross roundabout and the Haddington turn-off, at approximately 3:50 pm on Wednesday, March 11, after receiving reports of a collision. Police Scotland confirmed the road was closed northbound due to the incident, urging drivers to avoid the area and use alternative routes.

Traffic Scotland issued an alert at 4:05 pm, stating: "NEW 4.05pm. A1, Haddington. The A1 is CLOSED northbound at Haddington to a road traffic incident. Please use alternative routes and expect delays."

Eyewitness Account of the Terrifying Scene

Bystander Mark Innes provided a harrowing description of the event. He said, "It carried forward with the momentum, driving along the motorway and it probably almost instantly burst into flames. It was terrifying. It was honestly like something out of a film."

Innes added, "I got my van into a safe position, and by that point there were a few bystanders and other drivers helping. By the time I ran over the driver was out, he was obviously very shaken and panicked. The lorry was exploding. There were tyres blowing thirty feet into the air and crashing down, going into the nearby bushes and setting them on fire."

Footage from the scene captured the intensity of the blaze, showing the lorry engulfed in flames with thick plumes of black smoke billowing overhead. It remains unclear at this time if anyone sustained injuries as a result of the crash and subsequent fire.

The incident caused significant disruption to traffic in the area, with authorities working to manage the situation and clear the roadway. The cause of the initial collision is under investigation by relevant authorities.