One fire-fighter, who was woken by an explosion looked out and saw thick black smoke thought that either the Tesco superstore or the Sainsburys Distribution centre was alight.

The fire-fighters, who received the first emergency call at 4,59 am had to pass across the motorway at Sewardstone Road en-route to the incident, and saw the blazing lorry.

Additional appliances were requested, due to there being a shortage of water. A fire hydrant in nearby Lodge Lane was connected to the appliances on the motorway and used to compliment the water supply on the motorway.

Police closed the motorway as debris littered the carriageways, and smoke billowed, making driving conditions hazardous.

Waltham Abbey, Loughton, Cheshunt and Enfield fire-fighters attended, and the fire took about 90 minutes to being under control.

It is understood that the explosions were the result of the cargo - the boilers - overheating, and the tyres of the trailer unit exploding.

Written and photos by Paul Wood

Courtesy of PW News