The vehicle was completely consumed by the flames. Photo: Charlie Reed
These dramatic photos show a fire-consumed crane on the A64 south of York this morning (Thursday).
The driver was fine, he was able to get out before the fire hit the cab.
The fire had broken out in the eastbound carriageway on the York side of Tadcaster.
It closed both sides of the A64, causing long delays.
The westbound lane was cleared shortly after the fire, but it took until 3:30 a.m. this morning to reopen the eastbound lanes
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Smoke rises in the air. Photo: Charlie Reed
Exploding tires thrown across the road
Crew manager, Thomas Askham of the Tadcaster Fire Station told YorkMix more about the scene he found upon his arrival.
“The crane was on fire with thick clouds of smoke.
“The biggest danger for us was the exploding tires. When they started it sounded like an explosion.
“One of them actually went over both lanes into the forest about 30 meters away on the opposite side. So if anyone had got in the way, cars or anything else, it would have been disastrous. “
“I can confirm that the fire severely damaged the pavement, so the pavement needs to be renewed and that means it will be closed for some time”
Crew manager, Thomas Askham of the Tadcaster Fire Station on YorkMix Radio
Joe Reynolds, from York, was driving his van west past the fire when one of the tires exploded. He said YorkMix that it just missed hitting him. However, its wing mirror was damaged. He described the intense heat he could feel even though he had the windows open. “I’m really lucky and it was very scary, especially to see how the driver ran away from the crane and got to safety.”
Charlie Reed happened the crane fire as it happened. He assumes that the road will be closed for most of the day due to heat damage.
The AA reported: “All lanes stopped, traffic problem and traffic jam on the A64 heading east before the A659.”
Mathew Smith was on his way to Leeds when he witnessed the fire. He said the lane in the direction of York was already closed then – “nothing moved,” he said.
Photo: Mathew Smith
Photo: Hannah Lauren
Resident of Tadcaster Hannah Lauren said YorkMix She was awakened by a series of explosions: “I was sleeping – the house shook with the first explosion, fell asleep again and heard the second explosions. The bang was so loud.
“I wanted to look out the window and black smoke was rising, now it’s turned gray, so they start putting it out.”
Five firefighters were sent to fight the fire. And Tadcaster residents were advised to keep their windows closed until the smoke cleared.
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A North Yorkshire Police Department traffic officer David Minto tweeted:
The # A64 heading west at #Tadcaster is now open again. That eastward The lane between #HeadleyBar & #Lawtons #Islington will be closed for the rest of the day. Thank you for your patience and cooperation
Even today there are regular updates on YorkMix Radio
Highways Yorkshire says: “The A64 in North Yorkshire is closed to the east between the A659 at Tadcaster (West) and the A659 at Tadcaster (East) due to a previous crane fire.
“The fire has been extinguished, but the road remains closed.
“A complex and lengthy recovery is expected, which will require a surface renewal after extensive fire damage to the roadway.
“The surface renewal is to take place overnight with a currently estimated reopening time of 6:00 am.
Eastbound traffic is diverted via the hollow triangle diversion symbol:
- Exit the A64 east at Headley Bar Junction and join the A659.
- After the junction with the A659, drive on this road for approx. 5 km to the intersection with the A64 (Tadcaster Bar).
- At the intersection, continue on the driveway to return to the A64 heading east.
There are currently heavy traffic jams on the diversion route and the surrounding districts. Road users are advised to anticipate disruptions and allow additional time for their journey.
Image by David Minto @ TC174_NYP
