Firefighters have given an update after a van fire closed a major Oxford road.

The incident occurred after noon today (Friday, November 29) as a van burst into flames on the Southern Bypass.

Both directions were blocked and were subsequently closed at around 2pm as emergency services including Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene.

A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 12.50pm on Friday, November 29, sending a fire engine from Slade fire station and two from Rewley Road fire station to the Southern Ring Road between Rose Hill and Hinksey Hill.

READ MORE: Road CLOSED and standstill traffic as car bursts into flames on major road

The incident on the Southern Bypass.The incident on the Southern Bypass. (Image: Lauren Juggins)

“A van was on fire. Crews worked with jets and environmental protection equipment to put the fire out and reduce damage to the environment due to water run-off.

“Crews left the scene at 3.22pm.”

The incident had a major impact on buses too with several services having to be rerouted throughout the afternoon.

A spokesperson for Oxford Bus Company at the time said: "Due to the closure of the Southern Bypass, we are expecting heavy delays across all of our Oxford services as traffic diverts wherever possible.

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“We advise passengers to only travel if absolutely necessary and allow more time for their journeys.”

A statement from Stagecoach added: “Service update: Due to a van fire on the ring road, all city services are experiencing delays of 45 minutes plus”

The westbound carriageway reopened at around 3.40pm.

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