Fire drama on Cannock Chase road

A lorry was completely gutted on a road across Cannock Chase after an engine fault started a fire.

The fire spread quickly through the vehicle yesterday afternoon and firefighters spent more than three hours extinguishing flames.

The fire in the HGV started at about 4.10pm and caused its tyres to explode on Broadhurst Green Road, between the A34 and the German War Cemetery.

The blaze caused the road to still be closed off this morning. The vehicle has yet to be recovered.

Two crews from Cannock and an additional water carrier as well as a crew from Rugeley were called to the incident.

Crews used breathing apparatus to help bring the fire under control.

West Midlands Ambulance Service treated a 67-year-old driver at the scene for smoke inhalation and gave him oxygen. He was otherwise unharmed.

Fire crews left the scene at 7.10pm.

Resurfacing work was due to be carried out this morning and Penkridge Bank was also closed to through traffic causing problems for rush hour motorists.