Lorry engine fire sparks one-lane closure of A34 near Tot Hill

According to Lee Glover, watch manager of Blue Watch at Newbury Fire Station, three pumps were called at 8.20pm, from Newbury, Whitchuch and Tilehurst, Reading, to the A34 southbound, between Tot Hill and Whitchurch, after a lorry engine burst into flames:
“The engine bay was alight, with flames coming out of the front and also the tractor unit when we got there,” said Mr Glover, adding a load of pet products remained unaffected by the blaze.
“The driver had been sitting there for two hours, following an exhaust fault and it suddenly burst into flames, and with the engine switched off.”
Firefighters shut one lane of the road for two hours, whilst they raised the engine cab using hydraulic equipment, and in order to get underneath the cab, to ensure the fire was completely out.
“The hydraulics of the lorry were burnt through,” added Mr Glover.
The lane was re-opened after two hours and firefighters left the scene after about two-and-a-half hours.