A tunnel which shut after a car erupted into a fireball has reopened after a lengthy repair operation.
The Western Undercliff Tunnel on the A299, Ramsgate, was closed three weeks ago following the fire, which caused “extensive” damage.
Kent County Council (KCC) highways teams were forced to keep it shut “for the foreseeable future”, with damage to a junction box and the road surface needing to be repaired.
It also decided to use the time to carry out other maintenance and improvement works in the tunnel, and successfully reopened it this afternoon following the 21-day closure.
Cars were being diverted via Canterbury Road East, London Road, Grange Road, St Augustine’s Road, Paragon, Royal Approach and Military Road.
Witnesses described hearing shouts for help as the vehicle burst into flames after crashing on June 27, with one person requiring treatment from paramedics.
Footage from the scene showed the vehicle well ablaze in the middle of the carriageway.
An eyewitness told KentOnline they saw at least two people “covered in blood” as the car became engulfed in flames.
It is understood the were passed into the care of medics and, thankfully, suffered no lasting injuries.
KCC has been contacted for comment.
