This dramatic footage shows a large lorry carrying seven tonnes of oil rushing through traffic towards the closest fire station after it caught ablaze mid-driving.

Video footage shows the burning lorry speeding past shocked motorists across several streets in Jiangxi Province, China, at around 11:40 am on December 25.

Its entire back which had been loaded with seven tonnes of oil was completely engulfed in flames and quickly spreading towards the cabin.

Incredibly, rather than abandoning the vehicle and running for his life, the driver instead made the conscious decision to remain inside and head for the nearest firefighting station.

He called the station to inform them he was coming, and firefighters swiftly laid out hoses at the ready.

Risking his own life, he rushed into their yard and the blaze was successfully put out within nine minutes.

The driver said: 'I saw smoke behind, and one person on an electric bike told me my vehicle was on fire.

'When I realised the situation was not right, I quickly called the fire brigade and ran over.'

According to firefighters, the driver originally had a background in firefighting himself which in part explained his quick reaction.