Published: June 1, 2012
Burnham-On-Sea motorist captures A38 fire drama on camera

A Burnham-On-Sea resident has spoken of his shock at seeing a van burst into flames on the A38 near Highbridge this week.

Allan Roberts took these photos and video of the blazing vehicle at Dunball on Tuesday evening (May 29th) as he travelled home.

Two fire engines rushed to the scene at 5pm, as pictured. Crews used two water jets and breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire.

Allan told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "The van was smoking when I first arrived, but the flames quickly appeared and spread across the whole vehicle."

"There was a roaring sound followed by an explosion as the fire ignited the petrol tank."

"Flames were sent across the road and reached the grass on the other side. It was just as well that a council worker had closed the road and stopped all traffic."

Allan stopped to check the driver was not injured - and was relieved to find he was unhurt.

A fire spokesman told Burnham-On-Sea.com the van had been "completely destroyed" in the incident, which had been caused by an accidental technical problem. The occupant was unhurt.