Long delays on part of M5 due to lorry fire

A lorry fire has forced the closure of part of the M5 in Devon.

The fire broke out on the northbound side of the motorway between junctions 30 and 29 in Exeter at about 11:35 BST, said Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

Firefighters issued a warning for residents and businesses near the scene to close their windows and doors due to the amount of smoke from the blaze.

National Highways said the lorry was transporting batteries and domestic appliances with nine miles (14.48km) of queues reported in the area, leading to 120 minutes worth of delays.

A diversion was up for motorists to use[1].

A fire service spokesperson said the Environment Agency had been called out as a storm drain was near the fire.

"We would notify them due to the water run-off and potential contaminants from the fire if we haven't been able to immediately prevent them from draining that way," they said.

Devon and Cornwall Police said it was also in attendance.

References

1. ^ diversion was up for motorists to use (nationalhighways.co.uk)