One of Scotland’s busiest roads has reopened after a dramatic lorry fire brought the A9 to a standstill near Dunkeld during Wednesday morning’s rush hour.
Police confirmed both the northbound and southbound carriageways south of Dunkeld are now back open after almost 12 hours following the major blaze, which caused hours of disruption for motorists travelling between Central Scotland and the Highlands.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 6.20am on Wednesday, May 27, after the fire broke out on the lorry on the busy trunk road in Perthshire.
Dramatic pictures and videos from the scene showed the heavy goods vehicle completely engulfed in flames, with huge plumes of thick black smoke rising high into the sky and visible from miles away along the A9.
The intensity of the blaze also saw flames spread towards the grass verge at the side of the carriageway as firefighters battled to bring the incident under control.
Traffic quickly built up in both directions after the road was closed, with drivers trapped in long queues during the peak morning commute. Some motorists were seen standing outside their vehicles watching the emergency response unfold while others faced lengthy diversions.
View 2 ImagesFlames spread across the A9 after a fire broke out near Dunkeld this morning.(Image: Fife Jammer Locations)
Traffic Scotland had earlier warned road users to avoid the area, posting on social media: “A9 South Of Dunkeld closed in both directions due to a vehicle fire.
“Emergency services are at the scene. Please use an alternative route at this time. Traffic is slowing on approach this morning.”
Police Scotland also confirmed diversions were put in place while crews dealt with the fire and worked to make the road safe enough to reopen.
View 2 ImagesA lorry fire on the A9 near Dunkeld.(Image: Fife Jammer Locations)
Following several hours of disruption, Police Scotland Tayside announced both carriageways had reopened to traffic.
In an update shared online, officers said: “The A9 north and southbound carriageways south of Dunkeld have reopened following a lorry fire. Motorists are thanked for their patience.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said three fire appliances had been sent to the incident after crews were alerted at 6.21am.
A spokesperson previously said: “We were alerted at 6.21am on Wednesday, May 27, to reports of a lorry fire on the A9 near Dunkeld.
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“Operations Control mobilised three fire appliances and crews are still in attendance.”
It is not yet known what caused the blaze and there has been no confirmation of any injuries.
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