A fuel tanker fire was put out in Essex, sending a big cloud of black smoke high into the air and cracking the windows of neighbouring automobiles.

Just after 17:00 BST, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service were dispatched to the blaze along the A130 Canvey Way and Saddlers Farm roundabout in South Benfleet.

The location was attended by crews from eight different stations as well as one ambulance. The tanker was carrying 38,000 litres (8,358 gallons) of aviation fuel, according to the fire department. The fire’s intensity caused severe damage to the road, neighbouring street lights, and traffic signals.

The road will stay blocked while emergency repairs are made and the car is removed, according to the fire department.

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Neil Fenwick, area director at the fire service, said there had been over 60 calls to the control room relating to the fire.

He said: “The fire has now been extinguished but we’ll remain at the scene as long as necessary to monitor the situation and make sure the fire remains out.

“I’d like to thank the public for being supportive while our crews worked to put the fire out this evening.

“I’d also like to thank Essex Police and East of England Ambulance Service for their cooperation at the scene.

“Incidents of this nature really demonstrate the importance of close working relationships between emergency services.”

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