An ambulance fire on the A130 Sadlers Farm roundabout in Basildon caused significant disruption yesterday evening, as witnesses reported hearing a “huge bang” and seeing thick smoke billowing from the scene.
Incident Details
The fire broke out around 7:15 pm on Monday evening, leading to standstill traffic at the busy roundabout as emergency crews worked to contain the blaze. The ambulance, which appeared to be completely destroyed in the aftermath, blocked traffic, causing long queues and delays.
Emergency Response
Essex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were alerted to the vehicle fire on the A130 northbound, between Sadlers Farm and Rayleigh Spur, at 7:21 pm. Crews from Basildon and Rayleigh Weir arrived promptly and managed to extinguish the fire by 8:07 pm.
A spokesperson for Essex Fire and Rescue said:
We were called to a vehicle fire on the A130 northbound, Sadlers Farm to Rayleigh Spur, yesterday at 7.21 pm. Crews from Basildon (two) and Rayleigh Weir attended and extinguished the fire by 8.07 pm.”
No Injuries Reported
Fortunately, the ambulance crew managed to escape the blaze without injury. At present, there is no confirmed cause of the fire, but residents living nearby reported hearing a loud explosion. One local described the noise as a “huge bang” that rattled windows.
Traffic and Travel Disruption
The fire caused severe traffic disruption, with long queues forming on the A130 as emergency services tackled the flames. Photos from the scene showed snaking lines of cars and large plumes of smoke filling the sky.
Motorists were advised to avoid the area and plan alternative routes while crews worked to clear the scene. The road was eventually reopened after the burnt-out ambulance was removed.
Community Reaction
Nearby residents took to social media to share their shock, with one describing how their windows “shook” from the explosion. Another person stated:
“It was really loud – I thought something had blown up. The smoke was everywhere, and it looked really serious.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire. The ambulance involved belonged to a private service acting on behalf of the NHS, and no patients were being transported at the time.
Drivers who witnessed the incident or captured footage on dashcams are encouraged to share their information with Essex Fire and Rescue Service.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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