The M1 southbound in Leicestershire has been closed between Junction 24 (Kegworth) and Junction 23a (East Midlands Airport) following a van fire that caused a diesel spillage across the carriageway. The incident was reported at around 1.20pm on the afternoon of the closure.
National Highways stated that a full safety inspection of the carriageway and associated infrastructure will be carried out before the motorway can reopen. Specialist contractors are en route to assess and treat the contaminated road surface, and resurfacing may be required. All traffic trapped within the closure was released in the evening.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene with crews from Castle Donington, Coalville, and Loughborough. The blaze was contained, and no casualties were reported. The response has been reduced to a single fire engine, with crews working to damp down the scene.
Traffic monitoring service Inrix reported severe delays, with queues stretching from East Midlands Airport back to Trowell. Delays of up to an hour were reported. Diversions are in place for southbound traffic, following a route marked with a solid triangle symbol.
Arriva Bus posted on X that services 2, 2A, 1A, 1B, and 1C were severely affected due to traffic being forced through Derby. Drivers were urged to allow extra time for their journeys.
