A TREE has become 'dangerous' after a pick-up truck fire - forcing highways bosses to keep a lane closed on the busy A449 until tonight.

The A449 had to be closed on Sunday due to the dramatic vehicle fire which sent flams and plumes of thick black smoke into the sky.

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Now a damaged tree has to be removed before the dual carriageway can completely reopen. 

 

 

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council Highways said on Twitter: "Although there is no significant damage to the road, the lane one closure will remain in place at A449 by Kings Hawford until we remove a nearby tree which was damaged by yesterday's fire & has been assessed as dangerous - lane 1 expected to reopen later this evening."

We shared yesterday a dramatic video which caught the moment the pick up truck is engulfed in flames and has set fire to hedges next to the dual carriageway.

Fire engines and police attended the scene.

West Mercia Police said yesterday: "A449 is closed in both directions near to Kings Hawford due to a vehicle fire.

"Please avoid the area."

An eyewitness said: "We were driving from Worcester and could see a giant black cloud of smoke really rapidly billowing into the sky.

"We see a pick up truck which looks like it has exploded and is covered in flames.

"We didn't know if it had just happened - at first we didn't see any police or fire engines.

"At first it was really worrying and we were about to call 999.

"Fortunately, a fire truck was coming up behind us.

"We could see a group of people standing outside it in casual clothing so I am hoping they managed to get out of the car.

"We then had to back up the car and drive the wrong way down the road to Ombersley.

"I just hope everyone got out safely."