The A303 this morning remains closed in both directions near Ilminster after a lorry carrying 20 tonnes of hay caught fire yesterday afternoon.

Yesterday (Wednesday) at 3pm Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were told that a car was on fire on the A303 Ilminster bypass.

Subsequent calls reported that in fact the vehicle was an articulated lorry carrying 20 tonnes of hay which was on fire.

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Fire control sent appliances from Martock and Yeovil, together with a water carrier from Exeter.

On arrival at the incident, it was apparent that the lorry was well alight.

South West Farmer:

The burnt out lorry. Picture: Highways England

Three more appliances from Crewkerne, Chard and Yeovil as well as the telehandler from Exeter were tasked.

By 2am the lorry had been removed from the road and placed on a recovery vehicle.

This morning the road is still closed due to repairs being carried out by Highways England.

The diversion through Ilminster is currently heavily congested due to extra traffic.