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Chicken lorry catches fire on dual carriageway

James W Phillips Fire engines and emergency workers on the A12. The picture is taken from above, from a bridge. There are cars at a standstill. In the background there is a lorry with a big plume of smoke coming out of it.James W Phillips
Delays of up to 45 minutes were reported

A busy A-road was closed earlier after a lorry carrying chickens caught on fire.

Firefighters were called to the A12 near Kelvedon, Essex, at 12:34 BST and the service said the blaze was put out by 13:53.

The northbound carriageway was closed between junction 23 near Rivenhall and junction 24 near Kelvedon.

"There is still significant disruption in the area. We are asking motorists to be aware and find alternative routes," said a spokesperson at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

Ed Harman Fire engines and emergency workers on the A12. The picture is taken from above, from a bridge. A large blue container has been removed from a truck and a firefighter is hosing the cab downEd Harman
The lorry was carrying chickens

National Highways said the southbound carriageway between junction 24 and junction 23 has reopened.

Delays of up to 30 minutes were reported for southbound traffic and 45 minutes for drivers travelling northbound.

At about 19:00 National Highways said the northbound carriageway remained closed.

On X, it wrote: "Recovery of the burnt-out vehicle is nearing completion. Once removed, the remainder of the carriageway can be cleared.

"There's approx. 4.5 miles of congestion on approach."

Ed Harman Fire engines and emergency workers on the A12. The picture is taken from above, from a bridge. A large blue container has been removed from a truck and is at the side of the roadEd Harman
Both carriageways were initially closed after the fire

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