Black Smoke Blankets Ashford as Lorry Erupts in Flames at Customs Hub
Thick black smoke poured over Ashford this morning after a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) burst into flames at the Sevington Inland Border Facility.
Fire Breaks Out at Key Post-Brexit Customs Site
The blaze erupted around 8:45am on Saturday, 4 May 2025, at the vital facility handling customs checks for lorries entering the UK via Dover and Eurotunnel.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, battling large plumes of smoke that caused alarm across the local area. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far.
Traffic Chaos as Authorities Respond
The Sevington site’s role in managing UK-Europe trade means this disruption hit hard. Motorists were urged to steer clear while the fire was tackled, leading to delays for trucks awaiting customs processing.
Investigation Underway Into Cause
Officials have yet to reveal what sparked the fire and are investigating the incident. Meanwhile, locals remain on edge as the thick black smoke lingers over the town.
