Manhole 'explosion' shoots flames 15 feet into the air

Traffic queues on the A140 Ipswich Road at Long Stratton following a manhole 'explosion' Credit: James Hornsey

The main Ipswich to Norwich road through a Norfolk village is closed after a manhole cover exploded sending flames 15 feet into the air.

Police and fire officers are investigating the cause of the blast at around 4pm in Long Stratton about 10 miles to the south of Norwich.

The blast happened under the pavement on the A140 Ipswich Road close to the Stratton Motor Company garage.

The incident has closed the busy road between Norwich and Ipswich causing traffic congestion in the area.

One eyewitness said that flames shot 15 feet into the air when the manhole cover exploded. Credit: James Hornsey

The A140 Ipswich Road is closed at the junction with Flowerpot Lane in Long Stratton. Credit: James Hornsey