According to witnesses, the tanker eventually “exploded” due to the fire, sending a massive plume of thick black smoke into the air.
Eight firefighter crews from South East Essex were dispatched to the scene and battled the blaze despite the extreme heat.
Firefighters used foam to extinguish the blaze, and the fire has been declared out. However, the fire caused significant damage to the road surface, nearby street lights, and traffic signals.
As a result, the road will remain closed until urgent repairs are completed and the vehicle is removed from the roadway.
The fire has now been extinguished,” said Essex Fire & Rescue Service Area Director Neil Fenwick, “but we’ll remain at the scene as long as necessary to monitor the situation and ensure the fire remains out.” I’d like to thank the public for their patience as our crews worked to put out the fire this evening. I’d also like to express my gratitude to Essex Police and the East of England Ambulance Service for their assistance on the scene. Such incidents highlight the importance of close working relationships between emergency services. I’d also like to thank our outstanding control team, which has handled over 60 calls related to the fuel fire alone
