M5 drivers leave cars as lorry fire causes chaos

Drivers have left their vehicles following a serious lorry fire on the M5 this morning[1] (Friday, October 25). Pictures from the motorway show people standing outside their vehicles amid standstill traffic. Diversions are in place and are detailed at the foot of this article.

The blaze broke out between junction 22 for Burnham-on-Sea and junction 23 for Puriton at around 9.30am. National Highways expects the motorway to remain closed in both directions until at least 2pm, causing chaos for motorists. National Highways said: "The M5 in Somerset is closed in both directions between J22 (Burnham on Sea) and J23 (Puriton) due to a serious lorry fire.

Emergency services including Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue are on scene. National Highways Traffic Officers are also on scene to assist with traffic management. "Traffic caught within the closure will be released via the rear of the queue.

Please remain in your vehicles and await instruction from a Traffic Officer or police."

The latest log from traffic monitoring site Inrix adds: "M5 in both directions closed, severe delays due to lorry fire from J22 (Burnham-on-sea) to J23 A39 (Bridgwater North).

Congestion to J24 (Bridgwater South) and before Sedgemoor Services, also routes through East Huntspill, Bridgwater, Highbridge as traffic divert away.
"Camera shows trapped traffic at J23 is being released but with traffic held on the main carriageway, the road closed around 09:40.

Diversion - Southbound to leave at J22 (Burnham-On-Sea) towards the A38 and Northbound to leave at J23 (Bridgwater North) towards the A38."

Diversion details

Drivers heading southbound on the M5 should follow this diversion:

• Leave the M5 south at J22 and at the roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A38 heading south.
• Follow the A38 south through Highbridge, Huntspill, and Pawlett to Dunball and the roundabout with the A39.
• Take the 1st exit onto the A39 and continue to the M5 J23 roundabout.
• Take the 3rd exit to rejoin the M5 south at J23.

Meanwhile, drivers heading northbound should head the following way:

• Leave the M5 north at J23 and take the 1st exit onto the A39.
• Continue on the A39 to the roundabout with the A38 at Dunball and take the 3rd exit onto the A38 heading north.
• Follow the A38 through Pawlett, Huntspill, and Highbridge until the roundabout with the M5 J22.
• Take the 3rd exit to rejoin the M5 north at J22.

For all of the latest updates from the M5 fire and closure, follow our live blog here.[2]

References

1. ^ M5 this morning (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
2. ^ live blog here. (www.somersetlive.co.uk)