M40 lorry fire causes lengthy delays near Bicester
Motorists have experienced delays over an hour on the M40 between junction 10 and 9 since a lorry carrying vehicle carpets set on fire.
The incident occurred on the southbound carriageway at 5.44am this morning and fire crews rushed over from Bicester Fire Station, Banbury[1], Kidlington and Rewley Road.
Picture of lorry on M40 (Image: Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service)
Around Bicester[3] and junction 9, loud noises were heard from the tyres exploding and smoke was seen coming from the area.
The crew extinguished the fire and recovery efforts started at 7.45am.
The southbound carriageway was forced to close for an hour before traffic[4] was allowed to resume and Highways Agency officers were at the scene managing the incident.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that at no point was there any risk to the public.
Thames Valley Police and South Central Ambulance Service have been approached for comment.
References
- ^ Banbury (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ M40: Lorry fire causes hour long delays (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ Bicester (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ traffic (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ M40 and A34 road closures in Oxfordshire this week (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)