A vehicle engulfed in flames has caused significant disruption in New Town this afternoon, with emergency services blocking off a section of Main Road.
The Tasmania Fire Service is currently responding to the blaze in the Woolworths car park, forcing the closure of Main Road between Cross Street and Risdon Road.
Witnesses reported seeing flames and thick black smoke billowing into the air around 3pm, creating a hazardous situation during peak school finishing time.
Staff at a nearby school used the PA system to warn students about the incident, instructing them to avoid the area during their journey home.
“I’ve had a phone call from the fire brigade authorities to inform us that there is a fire which is being attended to in the car park at Woolworths,” the school announcement said.
“They have asked for the cooperation of our school community to steer clear from that supermarket area.”
The timing of the fire coincided with the afternoon school rush, prompting authorities to take extra precautions to ensure student safety.
Students were advised to catch their regular buses but avoid the vicinity of the fire to allow emergency services to work safely
Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes until the area is deemed safe and the road blockages are lifted.
The TFS have not yet provided information about the cause of the vehicle fire or whether any injuries have been reported.
