A1(M) closure: Hydrogen leak shuts road in County Durham

Image source, Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service

Image caption, The vehicle was parked on a slip road on the A1 motorway

A hydrogen leak on a lorry on the A1 motorway in County Durham led to delays of up to 90 minutes during rush hour.

Highways England said the vehicle was carrying nine cylinders of gas, one of which had a crack and was leaking, and the only way to safely allow it to disperse was to let it vent.

An exclusion zone was set up around it and the road closed northbound between Chester-le-Street and Washington.

The motorway was fully reopened just before midday.

Image caption, Emergency services set up an exclusion zone around the lorry

Diversions were put in place as the lorry could not be moved during the venting process as it presented a fire hazard, Highways England added.

Image source, Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service

Image caption, Specialists were called in to deal with the canisters

Rob Cherry, from Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said crews were alerted at about 23:20 GMT on Wednesday.