A lorry fire and a large diesel spillage brought major delays to the A19 in North Tyneside on Wednesday, with the southbound carriageway closed for recovery and repairs. Emergency services were called to the dual carriageway near Moor Farm Roundabout just before 1pm after the HGV went up in flames.
Road closed and diversions in place
The road was closed in both directions between Moor Farm Roundabout and Killingworth while firefighters extinguished the blaze. The A19 southbound remains closed, and a diversion is in place at Moor Farm Roundabout for the A189. Motorists have been warned to expect significant delays in the area.
National Highways said the road is likely to remain closed throughout the day for vehicle recovery and carriageway repairs, with traffic officers assisting with closures and clearing traffic caught within the closure.
Emergency response and no injuries
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "The A19 is currently closed southbound at the Killingworth Way turn off in North Tyneside. This follows a large fuel spillage on the carriageway."
The spokesperson added: "A diversion is currently in place at the Moor Farm roundabout for the A189. Road users are advised to expect significant delays and plan accordingly. Traffic on the A19 northbound is currently unaffected."
Fire crews from three stations across North Tyneside and Newcastle were sent to the scene. A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Our Fire Control Team received an emergency call at 12.58pm and crews from Tynemouth, Wallsend and West Denton Community Fire Stations were mobilised to the lorry fire located on the A19 near to the Moor Farm Roundabout."
The spokesperson confirmed: "Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire. No injuries were reported." They added that the service is assisting Northumbria Police in dealing with the large fuel spillage.
