DRIVERS had a lucky escape following a dramatic caravan fire which closed a major road in Worcester.

In total four fire engines rushed to the scene of the fire on the A44 at Whittington, Worcester last night (Thursday) as crews tackled the blaze which sent a thick pall of black smoke over the city.

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However, fire service leaders have confirmed nobody was hurt in the blaze which was brought under control in an hour by fire crews.

The fire, the cause of which remains under investigation, spewed out thick smoke which was visible across the city, with some spotting the inferno from St Peter's.

A spokesperson for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said four crews - two from Worcester, one from Droitwich and one from Pershore - attended the blaze in Whittington Road near junction 7 of the M5 at 8.53pm.

The fire, near the Swan, was swiftly brought under control by the crews with the incident closed at around 10pm.

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The road was coned off by police during the incident and the charred remains of the fire, still partially coned off, were visible on Friday morning.

He added: "Crews discovered a recreational vehicle, being towed by a van, was well alight and the fire was fought using four hosereel jets supplied by a hydrant, with two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.

"No persons were trapped and there were no casualties. Damping down took place to make the scene safe before the incident was handed over to police. Highways also attended and the road was closed."

Officers from West Mercia Police attended the scene and the road had to be closed with drivers advised to find alternative routes.

A resident in St Peters said they can see the smoke from their house, with plumes first emerging at around 9pm.

An eyewitness says they saw a vehicle of some kind ablaze with "lots of black smoke". 

Another, who had driven past, added: "Didn't look great from what little I could see."