Live M5 traffic as HGV and electric vehicle fire closes motorway

A car transporter carrying electric vehicles burst into flames on the M5[1] this morning, Wednesday, October 1, closing the motorway in both directions. A witness reported hearing explosions as the fire broke out between Cullompton services and Exeter, in Devon. Emergency services are at the scene of the blaze.

As of 10.30am, the southbound carriageway remains closed. Diversion routes are in place around the closure, reports DevonLive[2]. We will be updating this live blog regularly.

National Highways[3] said: "The M5 in Devon is closed between J28 (Cullompton) and J29 (Exeter) due to an HGV fire. "A car transporter carrying electric vehicles has caught fire, Devon & Cornwall fire and rescue are at scene and the road has been closed while they tackle the fire. "Devon & Cornwall Police and emergency services are on scene being assisted by National Highways traffic officers."

We will keep you updated with our live blog below.

Send us information or pictures if it is safe to do so here[4].

References

1. ^ burst into flames on the M5 (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
2. ^ reports DevonLive (www.devonlive.com)
3. ^ National Highways (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
4. ^ here (www.facebook.com)