A TANKER lorry has caught fire on the A420 which has completely blocked the road.

The A420 is currently closed in both directions between the A415 Kingston Bagpuize roundabout and the A338 Tubney Wood roundabout.

The incident happened just after 9.30am today.

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Photos shared by eyewitness Jessica Lewis at the scene of the blaze show a vehicle on fire, with a plume of dark smoke rising from the site.

Ms Lewis commented: "We had just turned off at Kingston Bagpuize roundabout coming from Standlake to Cumnor, there was a tanker, the white van then us.

"Then there was a large bang and flames and smoke started coming out the tanker so the white van and us reversed back up the A420.

"The driver got out his tanker and tried putting the flames out but he only had a small fire extinguisher - we were worried about him standing right next to it.

"I rang 999 to get the fire brigade and while we waited for them it just kept having mini explosions and more and more flames."

Another eyewitness Nicole East said that a bus travelling behind the tanker was evacuated. 

She also claimed that the tanker exploded 'multiple times' before fire engines turned up.

Oxford Mail:

Drivers are urged to use alternative routes while emergency services deal with the incident. 

Oxfordshire County Council confirmed the fire in a Twitter post just after midday.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police commented: "We were called at 9.45am to this fire, which is being managed by the fire service, Highways England and TVP.

"The road is currently closed at this time.

"We would advise motorists to avoid the area."

Highways England also warned drivers in the area about the incident.