A MOTORIST had a lucky escape after a fire broke out in a car.

Traffic was halted both ways on Clingoe Hill in Colchester after the fire started shortly after 1pm yesterday.

Firefighters rushed to the scene and managed to extinguish the blaze quickly.

Pictures from the aftermath of the incident, which happened on the Elmstead Market-bound carriageway close to the junction for Wivenhoe, showed the car had seemingly been totally destroyed by the blaze.

However, passersby were told the driver had not been badly hurt.

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said it is believed the fire had begun after a crash.

“Firefighters were called to a vehicle fire on Clingoe Hill, Colchester at 1pm,” he said.

“On arrival, crews reported that a vehicle was on fire following a road traffic collision.

“Crews extinguished the fire by 1.49pm.”

One motorist said: “I was driving down the road and then it all suddenly came to a stop.

“You could see the smoke above the traffic but we didn’t really know exactly what was happening for a while.

“We were told everyone was OK. Hopefully nobody is badly hurt.”

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust said there was no need for them to send units to the scene.

The busy road was shut in both directions for more than an hour while firefighters were on the scene.

Part of the Essex University campus was opened up to allow motorists to get through.

Other drivers were advised to avoid the area completely while the road was blocked.

Traffic was moving again by 2.30pm.

It has been queueing along St Andrew’s Avenue, the A134 and Avon Way due to the hold ups.