Gas tank truck fire causes shutdown of North-South Highway

Danae Hyman, Online Reporter

Firefighters have now contained a blaze in the cabin of a gas tank truck laden with petrol.

The fire broke out shortly after 4 p.m while the truck was near the Linstead exit on the North South Highway in St Catherine.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

However, three units from the Linstead and Spanish Town Fire stations worked feverishly to contain the blaze and prevent it from igniting the tank.

The driver escaped without any serious injuries. 

Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch, Calvin Allen said had the tank caught a fire, matters would have been intensified.

"We are really happy that part was averted and the fire truck arrived in reasonable time to extinguish the blaze," Allen said.

During the shutdown, motorists were diverted through Fern Gully and  Mount Rosser.

Motorists travelling on the North-bound leg of the highway were routed to use one lane.

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