Whitwell Road, between Southford Lane and Sheepwash Lane has been blocked as a result of a motorcycle being engulfed in flames.
The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have mobilised an appliance from Shanklin Fire Station.
Black smoke can be seen billowing into the skies from miles around.
The road is currently closed from the junction with Sheepwash Lane, with motorists also unable to pass if heading from Whitwell.
UPDATE @ 15:13 – Shankin’s retained fire crew have quickly attended and extinguished the fire using 2 hose reel jets and a AFFF foam generating kit.
Island Echo understands that the local motorcyclist made a quick stop at the side of the road when the motorcycles suspension collapsed and with the wheel rubbing at speed against the mud guard, smoke began issuing – and within minutes the bike had burst into flames as fuel and oil ignited.
Irreparable damage has been caused by the flames to the twin exhaust Aprilia motorcycle, with only the steel frame, exhausts, engine, and parts of the wheels and tyres left behind.
UPDATE @ 15:35 – The fire crew has now moved the charred skeleton of the motorcycle to the side of the road to await recovery by Stag Lane.
Firefighters have used hose reel jets to wash the residual fire extinguishing foam from the road.
The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is now beginning to stand down from the incident having made sure that both the motorcycle and the grass verges that it rested on are completely dampened down.
No injuries have been sustained during the incident. The road is expected to reopen shortly.
UPDATE @ 16:20 – Whitwell Road has now reopened to traffic.
Whitwell Rd now open
Seems the mot should have picked up poor suspension unless it had been ‘modified’ by the owner, or our terrible potholed roads have shook it to ruination.
Lucky the driver got warning.
you havent got a clue have you mate…
Given the MOT could be nearly a year old, not really. It only confirms the condition on the day of the test, nothing else.
You are assuming that the bike required an mot. If it was less than three years old it wouldn’t. Glad the rider was not hurt.
Exhaust looks alright. £50?
Thankfully he walked away. Makes a pleasant change.