A major lorry fire on the M5 motorway in Somerset led to chaos on the roads as drivers abandoned their cars due to safety concerns. The incident, which occurred between junction 23 for Bridgwater and junction 22 for Burnham-on-Sea, forced the complete closure of the motorway. Images from the scene showed motorists congregating on the carriageway after leaving their vehicles.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene after the alarm was raised at around 9.20am on Friday. The lorry carrying potentially hazardous chemicals was engulfed in flames on the southbound carriageway, leading to the closure of both southbound and northbound lanes due to heavy smoke billowing into the sky.
According to reports, there was significant congestion on local roads in East Huntspill, Bridgwater, and Highbridge as traffic sought alternative routes to avoid the closed section of the motorway. Fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze, resulting in queues of up to four miles and delays of around two hours for motorists.
Drivers were advised to steer clear of the area and seek alternate routes if travel was necessary. National Highways urged trapped drivers to remain in their vehicles while the fire service dealt with the situation. Motorists within the closure were eventually released from the back of the queue.
The situation prompted Avon and Somerset Police to confirm that the northbound carriageway had been reopened, but the southbound carriageway remained closed as efforts continued to fully extinguish the fire. The lorry was transporting a combination of milk powder and diesel, and teams were working to offload these materials safely.
Despite the reopening of the northbound lanes, the closure of the southbound side led to severe delays and diversions for traffic passing through the region. Drivers were urged to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys as the situation unfolded.
In conclusion, the lorry fire on the M5 motorway in Somerset resulted in significant disruptions to traffic flow and travellers were advised to monitor updates and follow guidance from authorities to ensure their safety and minimise inconveniences while traveling.