A lorry carrying “potentially hazardous chemicals” burst into flames on the M5 this morning, Friday, October 25. The motorway was shut between junction 22 and junction 23 as emergency services dealt with the fire.
National Highways said the blaze broke out on the southbound carriageway at around 9.20am. The fire service have since confirmed that the lorry was transporting milk powder and diesel.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are currently on-site at a lorry fire on the M5 motorway’s hard shoulder, between Junctions 22 (Edithmead) and 23 (Dunball). The lorry was transporting milk powder and diesel, and we are using a telehandler to safely offload these materials. The driver is unharmed.
“The southbound carriageway remains closed as our teams work to fully extinguish the fire; however, the northbound carriageway has now been reopened, with a reduced speed limit in place. We are collaborating closely with partner agencies, including the police and the Environment Agency.”
National Highways said: “National Highways is advising drivers intending to use the M5 to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys following an earlier serious incident in North Somerset.
“The incident occurred on the southbound carriageway at 9.21am and with the LGV carrying potentially hazardous chemicals, National Highways is advising drivers in trapped traffic to stay in their vehicles while the fire service work to extinguish the fire.”
Drivers have been hit with severe delays on the M5 amid the closure. Some motorists left their cars as traffic was at a standstill.
For all of the latest updates from the M5 fire and closure, follow our live blog here.