Flames '20ft high' in Brighton lorry fire

11:41am Friday 20th July 2012 in News By Anna Roberts, Crime reporter

Picture by Argus reader Mike Trindle Picture by Argus reader Mike Trindle

A lorry has burst into flames in Brighton.

Witnesses described the driver leaping out of the lorry moments before it started smoking at about 11.20am today.

The incident took place in London Road, opposite Withdean Park.

Mike Trindle, who works nearby, said: “It started smoking and a man jumped out.

“He went back into the cab a few times to grab things.

“There were flames really high - 20ft.”

Anthony Radmall said: "The driver seemed to be safe and left in an ambulance."

Chris Duncan said: “I witnessed this fire as I was driving back into Brighton and saw the blue lorry with smoke from underneath the cab area blazing into the sky about 20f high.

“It stopped opposite Withdean Park and got out as the smoke and flames started to get larger, “He returned to the cab serveral times to get belongings then shortly after rescue teams started to arrived.

“There was dark black smoke then two loud bangs one after another.

“Firefighters calmed the flames down and police did their part to divert the traffic the best they could.”

Did you witness it?

Email anna.roberts@theargus.co.uk

Comments(21)

Bromine Chambers says...
12:03pm Fri 20 Jul 12

How exciting. Insurance job, perhaps?

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derekhunt says...
12:16pm Fri 20 Jul 12

Bromine Chambers wrote:
How exciting. Insurance job, perhaps?
Ligand Fields by another name perhaps?

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Bromine Chambers says...
12:36pm Fri 20 Jul 12

I like the new photo better, as you can see two whole cycle lanes in it!

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fatso says...
1:57pm Fri 20 Jul 12

Isn;t the car in the picture in a bus lane? If so more money for the council as avoiding a blazing lorry won't be accepted as an excuse.

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BURIRAM says...
2:03pm Fri 20 Jul 12

The Driver of this Co-Op lorry did not leave in a Ambulance he was fine and stayed on there. Nobody was hurt and road reopened soon after.

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mruno says...
2:16pm Fri 20 Jul 12

Looks like he was transporting the Olympic flame, take it it from me mate, the easiest way is by a torch bearer, you also get a better audience.

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Crystal Ball says...
2:56pm Fri 20 Jul 12

BURIRAM wrote:
The Driver of this Co-Op lorry did not leave in a Ambulance he was fine and stayed on there. Nobody was hurt and road reopened soon after.
I was hoping the blue of the lorry meant it was Argos, they are scumbags of the highest order.

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BiggerH says...
3:01pm Fri 20 Jul 12

very sensible driver - he started smoking after jumping from the lorry - RA n' all

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Sussex jim says...
4:03pm Fri 20 Jul 12

Crystal Ball wrote:
BURIRAM wrote:
The Driver of this Co-Op lorry did not leave in a Ambulance he was fine and stayed on there. Nobody was hurt and road reopened soon after.
I was hoping the blue of the lorry meant it was Argos, they are scumbags of the highest order.
It is amazing that a road accident brings out all the loonies to make stupid comments. What's wrong with Argos? I think they do a good service, supplying goods at sensible prices. I use them a lot.
It was in fact a Co-op lorry. I have sympathy with Co-op that their lorry was destroyed, even if was insured.
Thank goodness the driver escaped unharmed: and also that, unusually, the road was not closed for hours by the Police.

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charlie smirke says...
4:11pm Fri 20 Jul 12

I was driving towards this. Saw the smoke and heard the bangs but didn't know what it was as I did a probably illegal U turn to get away from it!
Saw the gutted remains later when I came home. Strange how many drivers seemed to be happily heading towards the smoke and explosion noises without a care.
Why would you carry on driving towards something that is obviously just round the bend, very much on fire and also blowing up?

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davyboy says...
4:12pm Fri 20 Jul 12

it happens, get over it. doesn't matter who it belonged to, as long as the driver is safe. it will be insured as it is a company vehicle. these things are usually electrical, and unexplained.

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Bromine Chambers says...
4:15pm Fri 20 Jul 12

yeah the West Pier also suffered an unexplained fire. These things just happen from time to time. It's nature's way.

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Unbias says...
4:29pm Fri 20 Jul 12

davyboy wrote:
it happens, get over it. doesn't matter who it belonged to, as long as the driver is safe. it will be insured as it is a company vehicle. these things are usually electrical, and unexplained.
The 1st sensible post in the replies.

Jeeze whats wrong with the trolls!......

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dannogeezer says...
8:41pm Fri 20 Jul 12

I am the driver of the Co-op lorry that caught fire outside "lilac Court". The explosions were in fact two of the diesel tanks and two of the near side tyres. I would like to offer my apologizes for the noise and disruption to the residents, and also a big thank you for the cups of tea that were offered to me along with the many kind wishes, and also the the emergency services that were involved.

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Casinodiva says...
9:16pm Fri 20 Jul 12

dannogeezer says...
8:41pm Fri 20 Jul 12

I am the driver of the Co-op lorry that caught fire outside "lilac Court". The explosions were in fact two of the diesel tanks and two of the near side tyres. I would like to offer my apologizes for the noise and disruption to the residents, and also a big thank you for the cups of tea that were offered to me along with the many kind wishes, and also the the emergency services that were involved.
What a very nice, appreciative comment Mr Co-op Lorry Driver, I hope you managed to retrieve all of your belongings and i'm very glad you were not harmed in any way, although i'm sure the whole experience must have been quite a shock for you.

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ghost bus driver says...
9:20pm Fri 20 Jul 12

dannogeezer wrote:
I am the driver of the Co-op lorry that caught fire outside "lilac Court". The explosions were in fact two of the diesel tanks and two of the near side tyres. I would like to offer my apologizes for the noise and disruption to the residents, and also a big thank you for the cups of tea that were offered to me along with the many kind wishes, and also the the emergency services that were involved.
Hey Danno. Glad you got out in time.

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Rabid says...
11:25pm Fri 20 Jul 12

Bromine Chambers wrote:
How exciting. Insurance job, perhaps?
Bromine Chambers go poo poo for mummy?

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fred clause says...
7:40am Sat 21 Jul 12

Bromine Chambers wrote:
yeah the West Pier also suffered an unexplained fire. These things just happen from time to time. It's nature's way.
That wasn't unexplained we all know it was done by Nobles we just cant prove it

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Old Ale Man says...
8:29am Sat 21 Jul 12

Crystal Ball wrote:
BURIRAM wrote: The Driver of this Co-Op lorry did not leave in a Ambulance he was fine and stayed on there. Nobody was hurt and road reopened soon after.
I was hoping the blue of the lorry meant it was Argos, they are scumbags of the highest order.
Yep to that Crystal, although dross would be a more nicer word to use.

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dannogeezer says...
9:39am Sat 21 Jul 12

I would like to add a further comment on my posting yesterday: Firstly I would like to say a huge thank you to the gentleman on the mountain bike who allerted me to the fire coming from under my cab, whoever you are Sir, you probably saved my life, and secondly to the the man in the van who was the first on the scene and offered me his fire extinguisher, Thank you.
Danny Walker - Co-op driver.

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Dave At Home says...
12:34pm Sat 21 Jul 12

dannogeezer wrote:
I would like to add a further comment on my posting yesterday: Firstly I would like to say a huge thank you to the gentleman on the mountain bike who allerted me to the fire coming from under my cab, whoever you are Sir, you probably saved my life, and secondly to the the man in the van who was the first on the scene and offered me his fire extinguisher, Thank you.
Danny Walker - Co-op driver.
Nice gestures by both people, glad you are safe and brought it to a safe place where no other damage or property could be damaged, last thing you expect is your truck to go up in flames while on duty. Love the comment about carrying the Olympic Flame thou... :) lol

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