Firefighters are tackling a vehicle fire at Pondwell on the outskirts of Ryde this morning (Monday).
1 appliance from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is on scene at Nettlestone Hill where a fire has engulfed the front of the old Renault Master van, sending smoke billowing into the sky.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using 2 hose reel jets to extinguish the flames and damp down the charred remains of the vehicle.
The incident, which began shortly before 11:15, has happened at the junction with Gregory Avenue, close to the Mermaid Gin Bar.
UPDATE @ 11:41 – Island Echo understands the van was exiting the Mermaid Gin car park when something went wrong mechanically, leading to a fire erupting in the engine bay.
The driver managed to stop the vehicle on the opposite side of the road and escape without injury. However, the intense heat of the blaze has caused some charring to nearby hedgerow.
The situation has now been brought under control, with firefighters continuing to damp down. A 2nd appliance from Shanklin is now in attendance also.
Water is being pulled from a nearby hydrant, which may reduce water pressure in the area.
Nettlestone Hill has been closed in both directions. Motorists are being diverted with Southern Vectis Route 8 buses also on diversion.
Are all these badly maintained vans switching to EV vans? Or are they all drunk or drugged up…
Really don’t do yourself any good with comments like that. Do you really think that comment is appropriate ? Bye the way I don’t condone any poorly maintained vans, and no I do not own or drive a van, your predigest opinion is very clear. I hope you really are a good driver, you obviously think you are!
With your hatred of van drivers, I take it you refuse any deliveries from them,
Or do you only hate them when it suits you.
Hopefully no one was injured