A DRIVER reportedly jumped to safety as a fuel tanker exploded at Sadler’s Farm roundabout.

Yesterday at about 5pm, eight crews battled a huge blaze as a fuel tanker was completely alight.

Reports on social media are suggesting eyewitnesses saw the driver of the tanker jump out to safety before it exploded.

READ MORE >> RECAP: How the shocking Sadlers Farm tanker inferno unfolded

Rebecca Harris, MP for Castle Point, said: “I am very pleased no-one was seriously hurt in the tanker fire at Sadlers Farm, including the tanker driver who I understand was able to escape before the fire consumed the cab.

“I was in Benfleet at the time and saw for myself with other residents the fire crews and police go about their work with calmness and utter professionalism.

“I am pleased that both Essex Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police will both be conducting full investigations.

“Even if incidents like this are very rate, clearly they shouldn’t happen on our roads.”

Firefighters battled the blaze for more than two hours and needed to use foam to tackle it.

Canvey Way remains closed while emergency repairs are being made to the road, nearby streetlights, and traffic lights.

Another eyewitness commented on the Echo Facebook page that her daughter was in front of the oil tanker when the fire started and saw the driver leap to safety.

She wrote: “Well done firefighters, very brave people.

“My daughter was dropping my eldest back from a sleepover, and were right in front of it, she called the fire brigade as soon as she got out of the way of the flames.

“The driver we believe is ok, as he jumped out into flames as soon as he realised.”

Essex Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted for comment to confirm the driver’s condition.