This is the moment fireworks whizz around a motorway after an out-of-control lorry smashes into a three lanes of traffic and sets off a blaze in a vehicle carrying pyrotechnics.

The incident, called one of the worst multi-vehicle accidents in Guatemala, took place at kilometre 52 on the Palin-Escuintla Highway on Sunday.

According to local reports, at least 12 vehicles were involved and around 25 people were injured.

The lorry driver reportedly encountered a brake failure and rammed into multiple vehicles across three lanes of traffic, one HGV was loaded with pyrotechnic products.

The accident caused many of the fireworks to go off, prompting an unplanned display across the motorway.

The motorway was reportedly closed for several hours as the authorities dealt with the aftermath.

Juan Carlos Aquino, spokesman for the General Directorate of Protection and Road Safety in Guatemala (Provial), said at least 12 vehicles were involved in the accident, one of the biggest in the country’s history.

According to eyewitnesses, the lorry’s brakes failed as it approached the traffic in the opposite direction.

The CCTV footage shows the lorry smashing through three lanes of traffic before coming to a stop at the side barrier.

A fire starts on the far side of the motorway that leads to an explosion and fireworks are seen filling the sky as several motorists run for cover.

The investigation into the accident is ongoing.