Explosions from Doncaster lorry fire heard across town as blaze gridlocks roads

The HGV burst into flames on the A1(M) near Cusworth Hall this afternoon – and residents in Sprotbrough and Cusworth have spoken of hearing blasts coming from the incident which has paralysed the local traffic network with delays of up to 90 minutes.

Leannebelle Gee posted on Facebook: “Any idea what the big bangs were just then?

Helen Bowmar replied: “No idea but sirens going bonkers now. Gas canisters exploding?”

Jacob Holt posted: “Motorway at a standstill and smoke,” while Gill Elliott wrote: “Some explosion hope they got out sirens galore instantly.”

Richard Proctor added: “Looks like some type of compressed cylinder blown a hole in the side curtain.”

Stephen Barrass wrote: “Heard it over in Scawsby and Lorna Jane Rogerson added: “I wondered what they were! I was just leaving Morrisons on York Road when I heard them.”

Highways England officials, South Yorkshire Police and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Crews have been dealing with the incident all afternoon.

The northbound carriageway was closed between Junction 36 and Junction 37 between Warmsworth and Marr with the southbound carriageway also closed for a time.

Crews are damping down at the scene ahead of the vehicle being recovered.

Drivers are being advised to avoid the area with diversions in place.

However, the A19 and A638 in Doncaster as well as other local routes are all busy as motorists attempt to bypass the incident.