A telehandler caught fire in a Dorset village yesterday evening.
Fire crews from Bere Regis and Dorchester were called to extinguish the blaze on Warmwell Road, Crossways at 8.37pm.
Witnesses reported hearing 'three loud explosions' and seeing smoke in the distance.
A telehandler is an agricultural or industrial vehicle used for carrying and placing heavy materials. It is not dissimilar to a forklift but with an extendable arm.
One resident said: "Even walking they we could see smoke so far from the accident.
"When I arrived at the scene there were about five emergency service vehicles.
"I’m still completely shocked, this is not a normal thing to happen in Crossways."
A spokesperson for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said: "We were called to Warmwell Road, Crossways at 8.37pm last night (August 18) where a telehandler had caught alight on the road.
"Two crews attended, from Dorchester and Bere Regis, and two breathing apparatus wearers used two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire, which caused severe damage to the machine."
The stop message, meaning that the incident is under control and no further resources are needed, was given at 9.31pm.
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