Full scale of M5 lorry fire damage shown in dramatic photos

Firefighters have released striking images revealing the full scale of destruction caused by a lorry blaze on the M5 this morning (Wednesday), which has triggered widespread traffic chaos throughout Devon. The motorway remains shut northbound between junctions 30 and 29 following the fire which erupted at approximately 11.50am. Alternative routes have been established, with motorists directed via Moor Lane and Honiton Road to reconnect at J29.

By 2.15pm, delays had reached at least two hours with nine miles of tailbacks approaching junction 30. Authorities initially declared a major incident, though this has subsequently been lifted. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed at 7.15pm that the carriageway stayed 'completely closed' with full reopening anticipated by 8.30pm.

Dramatic photographs shared by Newton Abbot[1] Fire Station show scrap metal strewn across the carriageway. In an update on Facebook, the station said: "Just before midday today, our colleagues from Danes Castle Fire Station - Exeter[2] and Middlemoor Fire Station were mobilised to reports of a large vehicle fire on the M5 just after junction 30. "Upon their arrival, they discovered one articulated lorry well alight with smoke and flames issuing from the trailer.

Firefighters wearing BA ( Breathing Apparatus ) initially got to work using multiple 51mm attack jets in an attempt to stop the fire spreading further and reaching the tractor unit. "As the incident progressed, an ALP (Aerial Ladder Platform) was mobilised so that it could be used as a water tower, and cascade water down from above. A Bowser was also requested so that we could have a steady supply of water throughout the incident.

"At around 1500, one crew from Newton Abbot and another crew from Bovey Tracey Fire Station[3] were then mobilised to this incident to relieve the crews that had been on scene from the start. Once we arrived, tactics had changed and the fire service's telehander was removing the scrap metal load from the remainder of the trailer. "Whilst this was underway, the crew from Newton used another 51mm to extinguish the flames and cool the hot spots that remained."

They explained crews still remain on scene this evening, "pulling apart the remaining scrap metal that lies on lanes 1 and 2 of the M5", to ensure it is fully extinguished and does not reignite.

Newton Abbot Fire Station thanked the public for their patience as they dealt with the fire, as they noted it "put the local road networks under extreme pressure".

See the photographs below.

References

1. ^ Newton Abbot (www.devonlive.com)
2. ^ Exeter (www.devonlive.com)
3. ^ Bovey Tracey Fire Station (www.facebook.com)