A major incident on the M1 motorway has caused severe disruption for drivers this afternoon after a heavy goods vehicle caught fire.
Motorway Brought to a Standstill
The emergency unfolded on the M1 southbound between junction 15 for Northampton and junction 14 for Milton Keynes. According to National Highways East, the lorry became fully engulfed in flames, forcing authorities to halt traffic and close lanes to ensure safety.
Severe Travel Disruption
As of the latest update, three out of the four lanes remain closed while recovery operations take place. The incident has led to significant knock-on effects for travellers. National Highways East has reported delays of at least one hour against expected journey times.
In addition to the lengthy hold-ups, there is an estimated six miles of congestion building on the approach to the affected stretch. Recovery vehicles have now arrived at the scene to clear the wreckage, but full reopening of the carriageway is expected to take some time.
Advice for Drivers
National Highways East issued a warning to motorists via social media platform X. The agency urged drivers to allow considerable extra time for their journeys if their route is impacted by the closure.
Commuters and long-distance travellers are strongly advised to seek alternative routes where possible or postpone their trips until the situation is resolved. The disruption is likely to affect travel throughout the afternoon and into the evening rush hour.
