A30 closed after lorry bursts into flames – live updates: news

A30 Closed After Lorry Bursts into Flames: Live Traffic Updates, Diversions, and Road Delays

The A30 has experienced severe traffic disruptions and lane closures following a major incident in which a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) burst into flames near Launceston, on the Devon and Cornwall border. Emergency services, including Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Devon and Cornwall Police, and National Highways traffic officers, attended the scene to extinguish the blaze, manage the resulting oil spill, and coordinate recovery operations.

Current Road Status and Traffic Delays

• Location: A30 Westbound between the A388 (Lifton Down / Polson Turn Off) and the Callington Turn Off at Pennygillam, Launceston.

  Cornwall Live

• Current Restrictions: Following a full closure of both carriageways during the peak of the fire, one lane remains closed westbound to facilitate vehicle recovery and carriageway inspection.

  Cornwall Live

• Traffic Flow: Residual delays are being reported on approach roads and local diversion corridors, though mainline congestion has eased as recovery progresses.

Incident Overview

Reports of the fire emerged shortly before midday when a broken-down lorry suffered an oil spillage that ignited, engulfing the vehicle in flames and producing thick plumes of black smoke. Police implemented rolling road closures and advised residents in surrounding areas to keep windows and doors closed as emergency crews tackled the blaze. No casualties or injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.

Road Repairs and Resurfacing Work

The intense heat from the fire, combined with spilled fuel and oil, caused significant damage to the carriageway surface. National Highways has scheduled emergency resurfacing repairs across the affected westbound section. Motorists should expect overnight lane closures until resurfacing is fully completed and safety barriers are inspected.

Travel Advice for Motorists

• Diversion Routes: Drivers travelling west towards Cornwall are advised to follow the solid diamond diversion symbols via local distributor routes or plan alternative journeys via the A38.

• Allow Extra Time: Commuters and freight operators should anticipate localized congestion, particularly during peak travel hours around Launceston and Lifton Down.