UPDATE: Drivers urged to avoid A23 after blaze destroys car

Drivers have been advised to avoid using the A23 southbound until the incident, at Handcross Hill, has been cleared.

PC Steve Taylor of Sussex Police’s Road Policing Unit said on Twitter that both the driver of the Vauxhall Astra and a passenger were not seriously hurt.

However, the Vauxhall has been destroyed by the blaze, which broke out at about 3.40pm.

Two fire crews from Crawley found the vehicle ‘well alight’ on the main road, 300 yards from the B2115 Warninglid junction.

Firefighters used two breathing apparatus, a hose reel and a dry powder extinguisher to tackle the flames.

The blaze has been ruled accidental.

Initially, the two inside lanes of the three-lane section were closed.

Although now just one lane is sealed off to traffic, motorists have been advised to steer clear of the road.

Highways engineers are set to inspect the road surface for any heat damage.

Congestion continues to the B2114 junction.

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