VietNamNet Bridge – A lorry carrying tractors burst into flames just 1.1km inside the Hai Van Tunnel at 6:50am in the central city yesterday morning, June 20, closing the tunnel for 20 minutes.

A lorry carrying tractors burst into flames just 1.3km outside the Hai Van Tunnel at 6:50am in the central city this morning, closing the tunnel for 20 minutes.

No serious injuries were reported

An engine fire enveloped the 40-tonne truck just outside the south gate of the tunnel.

The driver failed to stamp out the fire with a fire-extinguisher because there was too much smoke. However, 15 firemen and two engines were on the scene within 10 minutes.

The managing board had to close the tunnel for 20 minutes as a safety precaution, but it was reopened again at 7:11am. However, it took three hours for the tailback to disperse.

The 6km long tunnel connects Thua Thien-Hue Province and Da Nang City.

It's the second time a fire has happened outside the tunnel this year.

Last year, a truck carrying tyres caught fire inside the tunnel, but nobody was hurt.

Source: VNS