A249 Closed After Recycling Lorry Blazes Between Sittingbourne and Isle of Sheppey
Chaos on the A249 this Tuesday morning as a recycling lorry went up in flames between Bobbing and Iwade in Kent. The major route linking Sittingbourne to the Isle of Sheppey is shut, causing tailbacks all the way to the M2 motorway.
Firefighters Battle Blaze With Limited Water Supplies
At around 7:40am, four fire engines and a water carrier rushed to the scene after reports of a heavy goods vehicle on fire. Fire crews, dressed in breathing apparatus, blasted the flames using two hose reel jets. Due to scarce water in the area, a bulk water carrier was called in to keep the fire under control.
The recycling lorry was quickly unloaded in a nearby layby, soaked with water, then transferred into a fresh roll-on roll-off skip. A digger was also summoned to help clear and reload the waste debris.
Traffic Gridlock and Ongoing Road Closure
The A249 remains closed between Sittingbourne and Iwade with local diversions causing slow-moving traffic and long queues stretching back to the M2. Drivers are urged to expect delays while emergency crews work to clear the scene.
Official Statements and Cause
A Kent Police spokesman said: “We were called at around 7:40am on Tuesday 23 March 2021 to a lorry alight on the Sheerness-bound carriageway of the A249 between Bobbing and Kemsley. Officers attended along with Kent Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the fire.”
Kent Fire and Rescue added: “Three fire engines and a bulk water carrier attended. Crews wearing breathing apparatus used hose reel jets to put out the flames. Thankfully, no casualties were reported. The cause is believed to be accidental.”
