Chemical fire shuts M62

Oct 14 2008 By Andrew Hirst

A LORRY blaze shut the M62 early today.

The inferno sparked commuter chaos as the fire took hold on the articulated lorry.

Its load was bleach and aerosols – and they were air fresheners which exploded in the searing heat.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "The cans were being blown across the carriageway so we had to shut the motorway for safety reasons.

"The westbound carriageway was totally blocked while firefighters dealt with the blaze and had to shuttle water to it."

Examiner reporter Barry Gibson was stuck on the westbound carriageway.