Dual carriageway closed after car transporter fire

News imageEssex County Fire and Rescue Service Flames engulf a car transporter which is in the hard shoulder of a dual carriageway. Black smoke billows across the road. A red and yellow fire engine is partially visible on the right of the frame.Essex County Fire and Rescue Service

A busy dual carriageway in Essex was closed due to a car transporter on fire on the hard shoulder.

The southbound stretch of the A12 was shut between junction 22 for Witham north and junction 21 for Witham south just after 12:00 BST on Thursday, causing congestion back to junction 24 at Kelvedon.

The transporter is believed to have been carrying five cars, and the fire service said nine crews were called to the scene due to a "difficult" water supply.

The road had reopened by by mid-afternoon, said National Highways in a 16:09 post on social media.

A fire service spokeswoman thanked drivers for their patience.

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