Balcombe crash: man arrested after emergency services find car and cement mixer on fire

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “No injuries have been reported. The driver of the truck – a 25 -year-old man from Hounslow – was arrested on suspicion of remaining in the UK beyond time limit and will be passed on to Immigration Services.”

AA Traffic News initially reported at 9.36am that the B2036 London Road was closed with queueing traffic both ways between B2110 High Street and Stoney Lane.

The AA Traffic News message said: “A lorry has overturned and caught fire closing the road, affecting traffic between Haywards Heath and Crawley.” For more updates from AA Traffic News visit www.theaa.com/route-planner/traffic-news.

Photo gallery – car and cement mixer catch fire after Balcombe crash

A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service later confirmed: “We were called at 9.31am this morning to reports of a road traffic collision on London Road at Balcombe between Stone Lane and the B2110. Joint Fire Control mobilised fire engines from Crawley and Burgess Hill to the scene.

“Upon arrival they found a collision involving a car and a cement mixer, with both vehicles alight and the fire spreading to nearby telegraph lines. Fortunately none of the occupants of the vehicles were trapped.

“Sussex Police and the South East Coast Ambulance Service are also in attendance, and BT have been requested to the scene.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus brought the fire under control using one high pressure hose reel, two jets and a hydrant. London Road is expected to remain closed in both directions for some time. Drivers are urged to avoid the area.”