M5 traffic: Drivers leave cars as huge lorry fire closes motorway and causes travel chaos

The M5 has been closed in both directions due to a massive lorry fire in Somerset which is believed to have been carrying hazardous chemicals.

Images show people having got out of their cars and chatting in the stationary traffic with the motorway completely shut between junction 23 for Bridgwater and junction 22 for Burnham-on-Sea following the lorry fire which started at 9.21am today.

The lorry fire has happened on the southbound lanes but the carriageway has also closed northbound due to heavy smoke that can be seen billowing up into the sky. There is also congestion on local roads through East Huntspill, Bridgwater and Highbridge as traffic tries to divert away from the motorway.

Emergency services - including Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue - are on scene and queues have reached four miles long with delays of around two hours. Motorists are being advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes if they have to travel.

"National Highways is advising drivers intending to use the M5 to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys following an earlier serious incident in North Somerset," stated the agency. "The incident occurred on the southbound carriageway at 9.21am and with the LGV carrying potentially hazardous chemicals, National Highways is advising drivers in trapped traffic to stay in their vehicles while the fire service work to extinguish the fire."

It said drivers caught within the closure will be released via the back of the queue. It stated: "The M5 in Somerset is closed in both directions between J22 (Burnham on Sea) and J23 (Puriton) due to a serious lorry fire. Emergency services including Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue are on scene. National Highways Traffic Officers are also on scene to assist with traffic management. Please remain in your vehicles and await instruction from a traffic officer or police."

The latest log from traffic monitoring site Inrix adds: "M5 in both directions closed, severe delays due to lorry fire from J22 (Burnham-on-sea) to J23 A39 (Bridgwater North). Congestion to J24 (Bridgwater South) and before Sedgemoor Services, also routes through East Huntspill, Bridgwater, Highbridge as traffic divert away.

"Camera shows trapped traffic at J23 is being released but with traffic held on the main carriageway, the road closed around 09:40. Diversion - Southbound to leave at J22 (Burnham-On-Sea) towards the A38 and Northbound to leave at J23 (Bridgwater North) towards the A38."

Drivers heading southbound on the M5 should follow this diversion:

• Leave the M5 south at J22 and at the roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A38 heading south.
• Follow the A38 south through Highbridge, Huntspill, and Pawlett to Dunball and the roundabout with the A39.
• Take the 1st exit onto the A39 and continue to the M5 J23 roundabout.
• Take the 3rd exit to rejoin the M5 south at J23.

Meanwhile, drivers heading northbound should head the following way:

• Leave the M5 north at J23 and take the 1st exit onto the A39.
• Continue on the A39 to the roundabout with the A38 at Dunball and take the 3rd exit onto the A38 heading north.
• Follow the A38 through Pawlett, Huntspill, and Highbridge until the roundabout with the M5 J22.
• Take the 3rd exit to rejoin the M5 north at J22.