Motorists faced traffic chaos during rush hour on the A34 this morning after two gas cylinders exploded in a van, setting it on fire.

The vehicle, which contained 20 gas cylinders, was ablaze on a lay-by near the Marcham junction in Abingdon.

Police and firefighters were called to the scene at about 8.30am.

No-one was hurt in the accident, but the southbound and northbound carriageway near Marcham was closed, causing long tailbacks.

The southbound and northbound carriageways at Hinskey were also closed.

Police spokesman Tim Wiseman said: "There are long delays on the A34 caused by a van which had 20 gas cylinders in it, two of which have exploded.

"There are no casualties and the fire service is waiting for the cylinders to cool down before they can move them.

"I would advise motorists to avoid the A34 at all costs."

Further trouble for motorists on the A34 was caused by a crash near East Illsey this morning.

A Ford Mondeo collided with a BMW Touring estate at the East Illsey junction at 8am. No-one was injured.