LORRY FIRE SHUTS A465
A LORRY fire forced a major Valleys road to shut yesterday.
Pictures showed thick black smoke billowing from the scene of the fire on the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road, which was closed in both directions between Cefn Coed and Pant.
There were no reports of any injuries.
The lorry, which was reportedly carrying tyres, burst into flames between the Merthyr Bypass, Cefn Coed Roundabout, and High Street, Dowlais Top Roundabout.
A South Wales Police spokeswoman last night said: “South Wales Police is assisting the fire service in managing an incident at the A465 Westbound, Asda Store to Cefn Coed, in the Gurnos, Merthyr Tydfil where a vehicle is on fire.
“The incident began at approx 4pm. Police and fire service are in attendance at the scene.
“A full road closure has taken place at A465 Cefn Coed to Dowlais Top. The Pant Industrial Estate has been closed off.
“This incident is expected to continue for a number of hours and the area could be affected until the early hours of Thursday. The public are advised to make alternative routes. Your assistance and patience as always is appreciated.”
Slow traffic was reported on Gurnos Road both ways from Galon Uchaf Road to Lavender Road due to the fire. Congestion was also being reported on the A4102 Swansea Road in both directions from Tramroad Lane to Cyfarthfa Park Roundabout.
Nearby residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to the fire.
A South Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said there were five pumping appliances, three water bowsers and several fire officers dealing with the fire.
The Welsh Ambulance Service said there were no reports of any injuries.