M4 lorry fire in dramatic pictures as motorway closed with severe delays

The fire has been described by National Highways as "intense" and has led to severe delays These dramatic pictures show the scene after a lorry carrying hay bales burst into fire on the M4 this afternoon (April 24). The westbound carriageway was closed after the blaze broke out heading westbound and a diversion route was put in place[1].

Avon Fire and Rescue Service were called to the fire between junction 18 for Bath[2] and junction 19 for Bristol shortly before 4pm. Pictures shared on X by National Highways show crews extinguishing the flames. The fire has been described by National Highways as "intense" and has led to severe delays heading westbound.

Traffic Officers are also at the scene to divert traffic off the motorway.

In a statement National Highways said: "At around 15:58 Avon Fire and Rescue Service advised us of a vehicle fire on the M4 westbound involving a HGV carrying bales of hay. "Due to the intense nature of the fire the carriageway has been closed while the fire service tackle the blaze.

National Highways Traffic Officers are in attendance assisting the emergency services with traffic management." Traffic monitoring site Inrix says: "M4 Westbound closed, severe delays due to lorry fire from J18 A46 (Bath / Tormarton) to J19 M32 (Bristol). "The road has closed around 16:40 with camera showing traffic coming off at J18 (Bath / Tormarton) exit slip, traffic has been held around 16:35, reported the lorry is carrying hay."

For all of the latest updates from the M4, follow our live blog here.[5]

Scroll down for pictures from the scene.

References

1. ^ diversion route was put in place (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
2. ^ Bath (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
3. ^ Live updates as search takes place for missing Bristol student Jack O'Sullivan (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
4. ^ M5 to be hit with a month of closures while repairs are carried out (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
5. ^ live blog here. (www.bristolpost.co.uk)