A LORRY carrying 27 tonnes of straw caught fire yesterday evening.

Fire crews from across Oxfordshire attended the blaze in the exit slip road of the M40 southbound at Junction 9.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service reported that the blaze was accidental and that the driver of the lorry was able to escape safely without injury.

Due to recovery and resurfacing works, the slip road was still closed as of this morning.

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Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service reported: “Fire crews from a number of stations were called to deal with an articulated lorry carrying 27 tonnes of straw well alight in the exit slip of the M40 southbound at Junction 9.

“Crews from Bicester, Banbury, Charlbury, Rewley Road, Thame and Brackley attended, supported by specialist water carriers from Wheatley and Towcester.

“In addition, specialist telehandling equipment was brought in, supported by the fire crew from Hook Norton to carry out the main work in removing the load safely to burn in a controlled area.

“Working with Highways England traffic officer service to close the road, we were able to stop the fire spreading further.”

Crews worked through the night to extinguish the fire, with relief crews from Slade Park and Deddington.

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This story was written by Liam Rice, he joined the team in 2019 as a multimedia reporter.

Liam covers politics, travel and transport. He occasionally covers Oxford United.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Liam.rice@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailLiamRice