David McOoui had just left the Tyne Tunnel and was heading south on the A19 at Jarrow when he heard a loud bang from his HGV, which was carrying meat and yoghurt.

Believing he had blown a tyre, the 45-year-old pulled into a lay-by and checked the vehicle, but he decided it was safe to carry on his journey.

But just 50 metres down the road he heard another loud blast and saw flames sweeping out from underneath the truck and smoke billowing out, so he brought it to a halt and got out.

He went back to retrieve his possessions after the flames died down, but as he opened the door to climb in, there was a third loud explosion and he retreated to a safe distance and waited for the fire brigade.

A mile-long stretch of the A19 was cordoned off by the police, but the dad-of-five was shaken but unhurt.

He told the Gazette: "I can't believe it, I was absolutely terrified - I thought that was it for me at one point. I'm lucky to be alive really."

Sixteen firefighters tackled the blaze, which took an hour to extinguish.

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