Car fire blocks traffic on main Exeter route

Fire crews were called this evening after a main route into Exeter was blocked by a car fire. The incident happened at Splatford Split on the A38/A380 on Saturday.

There was queuing traffic on one side of the road. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they sent crews to the scene.

One driver who was stuck in traffic said: "The car was completely burnt out. It was on the road by the looks of it.

"Fire service were just putting away the hoses as we passed. Could not see the car from where we were parked. It was a small car. Family looking on huddled together. Very sad."

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed nobody was hurt.

The incident was reported at 6:51pm. The A38 westbound was blocked for about half an hour.

The fire service added: "Control mobilised two fire engines following multiple calls reporting a vehicle fire on the A38 West bound carriageway. Upon arrival crews confirmed that the vehicle was well alight.

"Throughout the incident crews used two breathing apparatus, one compressed air foam jet, lighting and Traffic cones. The vehicle was 80% damaged by fire. The cause is believed to be accidental."

The A38 Devon Expressway is the main road to and from Plymouth. It splinters into the Torbay-bound A380 at Splatford Split. The junction is a notorious accident blackspot as traffic tries to manoeuvre into the correct lanes.

The incident was cleared shortly after 7:30pm.

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