Driver jumps to safety after lorry bursts into flames on A74

A DRIVER of a lorry which went up in flames on a motorway managed to jump to safety after spotting the blaze.

The man was driving on the northbound carriageway of the A74(M) near Lockerbie, Dumfries and Galloway, when he noticed the fire.

Police said he managed to “jump clear” onto the hard shoulder and escaped injury.

Officers have closed the road in both directions between junctions 16 and 17, and motorists are warned to expect delays.

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More than a dozen concerned motorists called 999 to report the fire which started at about 10.20am on Thursday.

Four fire engines were sent to the scene and found the woodchip lorry “well alight”.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using high-pressure jets to tackle the blaze.

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Diversions have been put in place and traffic is reported to be slower than normal.

A Traffic Scotland spokesman said: “The northbound carriageway at junction 17 Lockerbie is currently closed due to a HGV on fire.

“The southbound carriageway is closed at J16 Johnstonebridge. Motorists are advised to approach with caution and allow for longer than normal journey times.”

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