Eastern Distributor, South Dowling St, Harbour Tunnel southbound closed by truck blaze

A truck has burst into flames on a major Sydney road causing traffic commuter chaos in the eastern suburbs this afternoon.

The incident closed major roads in the lead-up to peak hour. Picture: Matrix Media Group

A truck has burst into flames on a major Sydney road causing traffic commuter chaos in the eastern suburbs this afternoon.

A loading truck collided with a middle bollard on the Eastern Distributor at Moore Park, causing the vehicle to catch fire, just after 3.15pm.

The truck ablaze after colliding with the cement barrier. Picture: Matrix Media Group

The incident has closed lanes of the Eastern Distributor. Picture: Robert Wynn

The first was put out quickly and no one was hurt. Picture: Matrix Media Group

Emergency teams including three Fire and Rescue NSW teams extinguished the blaze soon afterwards.

The truck driver escaped unharmed and no other vehicles were involved in the accident.

Fire and Rescue NSW crews said that, despite the minor nature of the truck’s collision, it was likely the engine ruptured on impact and caused the fuel to ignite, explaining the dramatic flames and smoke created.

Crews have remained at the scene putting an absorbent down the pipes of the truck to sock up any excess fuel and prevent any further fire.

The Eastern Distributor and South Dowling Street were closed in both directions near Dacey Ave in Moore Park and the Sydney Harbour Tunnel was closed southbound.

At 5pm, transport management said the Eastern Distributor had reopened northbound and South Dowling St had reopened in both directions.

All southbound lanes of the Eastern Distributor and Sydney Harbour Tunnel remained closed.

Police have put traffic diversions in place and the clean-up is expected to take some time.