FIRE crews from Teignbridge were kept busy this morning (Wednesday) dealing with a vehicle fire near Chudleigh.

Firefighters from Newton Abbot, alongside crews from Bovey Tracey, Ashburton and the water bowser from Torquay responded to the incident on the A38 carriageway just after 11am.

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: ‘On arriving at the scene crews were met with a commercial vehicle well alight, with flames issuing from under the bonnet and the drivers compartment itself - although both passenger and driver were free and clear of the vehicle.

‘Crews used two BA sets and a hose reel jet to extinguisher the fire.’

During the incident the oil reservoir ruptured causing engine oil to spill out into the road and run down the carriageway. Oil absorbent pads were used to prevent any further contamination from the oil and runoff entering the nearby River Teign water course.

The vehicle was left with a severely damaged cab and engine.