A lorry fire on the M5 motorway in Somerset has caused severe delays, with queues stretching up to six miles. The blaze broke out on the southbound carriageway between junctions 22 and 23 near Burnham-on-Sea and Puriton at approximately 9:30 am.
Fire crews from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene after a wheel on the lorry caught fire, which quickly spread to the trailer. The vehicle was carrying milk powder and diesel, according to local reports.
Thick smoke billowed across both carriageways, leading to the closure of the motorway in both directions. By late afternoon, the northbound closure was lifted, but the southbound remained closed with traffic being guided past the scene in lane three.
National Highways reported delays of up to two hours in both directions. Some drivers left their vehicles despite official advice to remain inside, and one passenger said the incident added three hours to their journey from Cornwall to Cleethorpes.
The fire comes just days after a Tesco delivery lorry caught fire on the M25, though the driver in that incident escaped with minor injuries.
