This is the moment that a 'bright flash' lit up the sky across Darlington and County Durham on Monday (November 20) after a power cable fell on the A1(M).
Eyewitnesses described seeing a "sheet of flame" as the cable fell onto the motorway near Newton Aycliffe - and now video footage of the incident, from a dashcam has now been released.
In the footage, from Jade Hindle, two flashes can be seen on the A1(M) while cars are seen slowing down on the main A-road between Aycliffe and Bradbury.
The A1(M) was closed for safety reasons between junctions 59 (Coatham) and 60 (Bradbury), as electrical engineers from Northern Powergrid rushed to the scene.
The road reopened in the early hours of Tuesday (November 21) morning.
A spokesperson for Highways North East said: "The fallen power lines that closed the #A1M in both directions between J59 (Newton Aycliffe) and J60 (Bradbury) have now been safely cleared from the carriageway.
"The road has been reopened in both directions with residual delays in the area now clear."
The incident created a large white flash which was seen miles away, while one motorist witnessed the incident unfolding
Doug Embleton told the Northern Echo: "My wife and I were en route from Darlington to The Glasshouse ( Gateshead Sage) to see Robert Plant and at approximately 4.40 pm.
"Between the Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland Auckland exits we very very suddenly drove across/over what at the time ( to my wife as passenger) seemed like a hose across the carriageway when instantly there was an immense flash of flame.
"Traffic carried on albeit it felt like we were at the “ epicentre” of the flame.
"It was immensely sudden - as it were, “ over in a flash”.
The fallen power cable also plunged 2000 homes into darkness, but these homes are now reconnected, according to Northern Powergrid.
Another eyewitness, Eric Norton, added: "There was a large green flash seen over Newton Aycliffe following closely by what I can only describe as the biggest flash of light I have seen - starting as a large flash of white light that changed to a brilliant yellow that lasted for over 5 seconds.
"The the orange light was huge and sat in the sky over Newton Aycliffe's industrial estate.
"I just hope no one has been hurt or injured."
Durham Police said on Monday (November 20): "Drivers are being urged to avoid the A1(M) between Aycliffe Services and Bradbury where both carriageways are at a standstill due to a fallen power cable.
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"Traffic lights at Aycliffe Services are also affected.
"Emergency services are on the scene between Junctions 59 and 60 but it is expected that the carriageway will be closed for several hours and drivers are urged to avoid the area if possible.
"Diversions are now in place and we will provide further updates when we get them."
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