Drivers faced major disruptions on the M5 near Bristol after a lorry fire brought traffic to a standstill, causing six-mile queues and lengthy delays.
The incident occurred between Junction 16 (Aztec West) and Junction 17 (Cribbs Causeway), with emergency services rushing to the scene. Firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze while police managed traffic diversions.
Severe Congestion and Delays
Motorists reported standstill conditions, with some stuck for over an hour. National Highways warned of significant delays and advised drivers to seek alternative routes.
Travel updates indicated:
- 6-mile tailbacks northbound
- 30-minute delays on approach
- Partial lane closures for recovery
Recovery Efforts Underway
Once the fire was contained, recovery teams worked to clear the damaged vehicle. However, residual congestion persisted for hours, affecting evening commuters.
Authorities urged patience as crews worked to restore normal traffic flow. No injuries were reported, but the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
