A DRIVER managed to escape his van after it shot up in flames, releasing thick black smoke into the sky.

Motorists sat in queues of traffic on the busy London Road in Ascot yesterday (August 7) after a silver van caught fire.

Thames Valley Police posted a video on Twitter of the aftermath, showing the van completely destroyed with black soot covering the vehicle.

A Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "At 5.45pm on Wednesday, 7 August, we received reports of a van on fire on London Road, Ascot.

"A Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue crew from Bracknell was sent to the scene.

"Upon arrival, two firefighters in breathing apparatus extinguished the fire.

"Crews were on the scene for approximately 40 minutes."

One lane was closed on the A329 London Road while Police and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service tackled the fire and made the area safe.

RBFRS and Police have been contacted for a comment.