‘Tractor on truck’ fire in Channel Tunnel under forensic investigation
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christopher.walton@roadtransport.com
AN INVESTIGATION is being conducted into a ire that broke out in the Channel Tunnel on a load carried by Oxfordshire-based haulier Philip Judge International.
The incident, which took place on 24 March on a train from France to the UK, was conined to a tractor being transported by the irm.
A spokesman for Eurotunnel says: “When the shuttle arrived at the platform in the UK, smoke was seen on a tractor being transported by the truck. A full forensic investigation is being conducted into what set it off.” He describes the ire as “more of a glow” and says that nothing registered on Eurotunnel’s warning systems after an initial alarm was sounded. “We have made signiicant investments in safety since the
ire took place in 2008. We checked the shuttles and there were no visible hotspots. If the ire creates smoke and CO2, which would be of serious harm, a second alarm would sound, the train would be stopped and the people evacuated.” Owner Philip Judge tells CM that the truck’s driver, Nigel Smith, was “a little shaken up” by the inci
dent and has provided evidence to the forensic investigation.
“The load was fully inspected by the driver after he illed up with diesel in Calais. He says the vehicle now has black splatter marks on it.
“We make 10 to 15 movements a week on the tunnel and we are determined to get to the bottom of the problem,” he says.