A3 Closure Causes Traffic Chaos

- Wed 14th Jul 2004

Motorists travelling between London and the Hayling area have been facing traffic chaos after parts of the busy A3M was closed due to the risk of an explosion resulting from a fire in near Horndean.

The blaze broke out at 6pm yesterday at the garage in London Road, Clanfield, where firefighters found canisters of oxyacetylene in danger. After consultation with the British Oxygen Company, Firefighters made the decision to close both carriageways of the A3M.

Up to 200 residents were also evacuated, according to police.

Kevin Briscoe, spokesman for Hampshire Police, said: “Following advice from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and the British Oxygen Company – the recognised experts in this field – the A3(M) has been closed both northbound and southbound.

“The latest advice we have is that the road must remain closed ... until 9pm today, before there can be a further assessment of the risk of explosion from the cylinders.

“Between 150 and 200 people have been evacuated from their homes in the immediate vicinity of the garage. The vast majority of them have gone to stay with friends and families.

“No one was injured as a result of the incident that led to the evacuation.”

Diversions are in place, but police are advising that motorists avoid the area if at all possible.

By forum user, Mat