Vehicle goes on fire at Laois toll bridge

GARDAÍ and firefighters rushed to the scene after a vehicle went on fire near Mountrath this evening.

Emergency services were alerted when the blaze erupted in the southbound lane of the M7 motorway, at the toll bridge near Mountrath.

Gardaí issued a warning on social media before 6.30pm, while emergency services dealt with the incident.

There were extensive traffic delays as firefighters worked to bring the vehicle fire under control, while gardaí set up detours.

Gardaí said: ‘We kindly ask for your patience and caution as emergency services work to resolve the situation safely. Thank you for your cooperation.'

The damaged vehicle had to be removed from the motorway after the flames were extinguished.

It is not yet known whether there were injuries as a result of the blaze.