A34 reopens after lorry fire caused extensive damage

A lorry driver escaped with minor injuries after the vehicle burst into flames shortly before 2am on Saturday (April 13) between the A423 at Hinksey Hill and A420 Botley interchanges.

Residents reported hearing ‘a series of loud explosions’ before the emergency services arrived.

The fire, which happened on the southbound carriageway, caused severe damage to the road surface, central reservation barrier and nearside barrier, and damaged both sides of the A34.

It resulted in the A34 being closed in both directions for a time yesterday before the southbound carriageway reopened by during the afternoon.

Both carriageways were again closed overnight for resurfacing and recovery of the lorry.

National Highways had said repairs could take until late Sunday morning to complete.

However, this morning (Apirl 14) they have said the emergency repairs are now complete.

The road has been reopened in both directions with any delays in the area now clear.

Thames Valley Police said the driver of the lorry had minor injuries but nobody else was hurt.