Two people have been injured while the M2 has been closed due to a massive lorry fire.

The motorway was closed for several hours overnight near Rochester after residents reported hearing “loud explosions” as the vehicle ignited.

Both carriageways were closed between Junction 3 for Chatham and Junction 2 for Strood, and eastbound between Junction 1 and Junction 2, due to the HGV blaze.

The coast bound carriageway has reopened but the motorway is still shut London bound.

Four fire engines attended the scene on the London-bound carriageway at Junction 2 yesterday evening.

A resident in Borstal, Rochester, said: "We heard four or five bangs.

“People have been going out to try to see what it happening after hearing the bangs. It looks like they have shut the motorway."

In a video showing the fire, a loud explosion can be heard.

Another witness said they had “never seen anything so scary in my life.”

“I’m shaken, hope the driver survived.”

kmfm newsreader Kate Faulkner was stuck in traffic on the coastbound carriageway. She told KentOnline she can see flames from the vehicle.

“As many as six police cars have come past since I stopped, along with two ambulances and I heard a helicopter circling overhead,” she said.

“There are a lot of flames, a lot of smoke – traffic has come to a complete standstill, people are out of their cars and it’s looking like we are going to be here for a while.”

A passing motorist added: “Drove past it just after it started about an hour ago, was smaller fire at the front behind his cab. He [the driver] was trying to put it out from the outside. He is fine.”

The glow and smoke from the blaze could be seen from miles away.

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson asked people locally to close windows and doors.

“People living or travelling near Junction 2 and 3 of the M2 (near Chatham and Rochester) are advised to close windows and doors as a precaution, due to smoke coming from lorry fire,” they added.

“Four fire engines have been sent to the scene and crews wearing breathing apparatus are working to extinguish the fire.

“Please share this advice with any loved ones in the affected area, who might not have access to the internet.”

In an updated statement at 10.25pm, the service added that two engines and a water carrier would remain at the scene “for the next couple of hours”.

A police spokesman said that two people had been injured in the fire – although neither were believed to be serious.

“Kent Police was called at 6.01pm to a report of a lorry fire on the hard shoulder of the M2,” he added.

“The incident happened on the London-bound carriageway between junctions 2 and 1.Officers attended along with fire and ambulance crews and road closures are in place

“Two people have been treated for injuries which are not believed to be serious.”

A Highways England spokesperson said: “The M2 is closed westbound between J3 & J2 and eastbound between J1 & J2 due to a heavy goods vehicle fire.

“Emergency services are in attendance.”

Firefighters issued an update at 1.35am saying “Firefighting operations are now complete at the scene of a fire involving a lorry on the M2 between junction 2 and 3 (London bound) near Chatham and Rochester.

“There were two males who sustained some burns to their hands and smoke inhalation, and they were placed into the care of South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb).

“SECAmb, Kent Police and Network Rail were all in attendance.

“The coast bound side of the motorway has been re-opened and people living or travelling nearby are no longer advised to keep windows and doors closed. Please share this update with any loved ones in the affected area, who might not have access to the internet.”

According to travel provider INRIX, work is underway to clear debris from the motorway and an inspection will also need to be carried out on the road surface, barrier and bridge.