The trailer of an articulated truck carrying foodstuffs went on fire on the M8 motorway near Fermoy overnight on Thursday last, causing the road to be closed for some considerable time.

The local driver was travelling on the motorway at Licklash near Moorepark, Fermoy between junctions 13 and 14 when the trailer caught on fire. The blaze which occurred at 3am is believed to have been caused by a brake problem or an issue with a tyre.  The trailer and its contents were completely destroyed. The driver managed to unhook it from the cab of his truck, saving it from also being destroyed.

Fire brigade units tended the scene, remaining there until mid morning on Friday.