SEVEN fire crews worked through the night to tackle a major HGV blaze on the edge of Teignbridge.

Both carriageways of the A30 near Tedburn St Mary were closed while the emergency services tackled the blaze as the vehicle’s tyres exploded in the intense heat.

The driver, on his way from Launceston to Exeter, leapt free of his fully loaded truck and rang 999 just before 11pm yesterday (mon).

Fire chiefs decided to close the major route into Devon because of the danger posed to motorists.

Police were called to re-direct traffic.

By 2am firefighters were making ‘steady progress’ - and by 7.30am the extensive fire was out and all crews had quit the scene of devastation.

The Exeter-bound section of the A30 between Fingle Glen and Alphington remains closed so the burnt-out truck can be removed and workmen can repair the fire-affected carriageway.

A fire spokesman said the road was not expected to re-open until midnight today (tues).

He added: ‘The tyres blew up with other explosions heard around the vehicle. It was a deep-seated fire.’

He confirmed the vehicle was severely damaged.