HGV Blaze Sparks Chaos on A249 Near Maidstone
A major rush hour nightmare unfolded on Tuesday morning as a heavy goods vehicle erupted in flames on the outskirts of Maidstone. The A249 Sittingbourne Road, a busy dual carriageway, remains shut after the HGV tractor unit was fully engulfed around 5.40am near Detling Hill.
Rush Hour Gridlock Back to the M2
Kent Roads Policing quickly closed the two-lane stretch, causing massive tailbacks stretching all the way back to the M2 motorway. Commuters endured major delays as emergency crews battled the blaze.
Firefighters Battle Flames and Hazardous Gas Cylinders
- Two fire engines and a water carrier from Kent Fire and Rescue rushed to the scene.
- Crews used hoses and jets to douse the fire, preventing it from spreading to the loaded trailer.
- Two large gas cylinders, used for cooking, were safely pulled from the burning vehicle.
The road surface was also badly damaged by the intense heat. At present, police are assisting the shaken driver, though no cause for the blaze has been confirmed.
Recovery Could Take Hours
The wreckage remains dangerous, with police forced to wait for the vehicle’s shell to cool before recovery can begin. Kent Fire and Rescue have been contacted for further comment.
