Greyabbey
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Lorry Ablaze on Main Street

Lorry Blaze Brings Traffic to Standstill...

A lorry suspected of carrying hazardous chemicals burst into flames this afternoon close to the police station at Main Street Greyabbey.  Fire crews from Ballywalter and Newtownards were quickly on the scene to bring the blaze under control.  Thanks to their speedy response the fire was contained and no damamage was sustained by surrounding properties.  Police response time however was said to be dismal, according to one local resident.  He stated, "it was approximately 45 minutes before the first police car arrived which is simply not acceptable". 

Local people attempted to directed traffic, amidst abuse from some impatient drivers, until police finally arrived at the incident.  Although upper Main Street remained closed, A20 traffic continued to trickle through the village once the fire had been brought under control.  Tail backs on the Newtownards/ Portaferry road were reported as far back as Finlays road. 

The official cause of the fire was reported to be an electrical fault in a light fitting at the rear of the lorry.  The lorry was eventually removed at around 7.00 pm and the cleanup operation commenced shortly thereafter.    01/05/2007