A vehicle erupted into flames on the hard shoulder of the M20 between Junction 10 and Junction 11 last Sunday evening, sparking chaos on the busy motorway near Ashford. The incident occurred at around 7:47pm and prompted an immediate emergency response from Kent Fire and Rescue, Kent Police, and National Highways traffic officers.
Two fire engines arrived swiftly at the scene, with firefighters using powerful high-pressure hose reel jets to tackle the blaze. The fire was brought under control by 8:29pm, preventing it from spreading further and causing more damage.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the fire. All occupants of the vehicle were safe and unharmed. As a precaution, authorities evacuated nearby houses while the fire was being tackled. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The blaze caused lane closures that led to minor delays for motorists travelling through the area. Emergency teams have urged drivers to remain alert, especially in conditions of poor visibility or hot weather that can increase fire risks. Motorists are advised to monitor National Highways for real-time traffic updates and warnings.
The vehicle has since been removed and the motorway cleared. Drivers using this stretch of the M20 are advised to proceed with caution to avoid any further incidents.
Originally published by UKNIP.