A TANKER lorry carrying chemical gas overturned early today bringing gridlock to the Isle of Thanet.

The incident happened at around 5.20am on the Monkton roundabout at the end of the A299 Thanet Way. The Scania 5-axle vehicle had been travelling from Ramsgate towards London.

It was carrying isobutane, a potentially explosive gas, and although there has been no leakage from the tank, a 500-metre exclusion zone remains in force.

Specialists are advising on the safe removal of the gas and it may be some time before the operation is carried out.

Police are advising motorists leaving the Isle of Thanet to use the A28 from Margate, and those trying to get in to use the A256, as all other routes are jammed.

For regular updates on the situation tune into kmfm