M5 closed due to serious vehicle fire

Travellers heading north on the M5 from Exeter are facing significant disruptions today following a serious vehicle fire.

National Highways is advising drivers intending to use the M5 to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys after both the southbound and northbound carriageways were closed between junctions 22 (Burnham-on-Sea) and 23 (Bridgwater) to facilitate the response from police and fire services.

The incident occurred on the southbound carriageway at 9:21 am, involving a lorry carrying potentially hazardous chemicals. In light of the situation, National Highways is urging drivers stuck in trapped traffic to remain in their vehicles while the fire service works to extinguish the fire.

Northbound traffic is currently being diverted from junction 23 via the A38 and A39 to rejoin the M5 at junction 22, while southbound traffic is directed in reverse. Due to congestion in both directions, drivers planning to use the M5 are advised to avoid the area and consider alternative routes.

National Highways is coordinating with emergency services, and while trapped traffic is being released, residual delays are expected to persist for some time. According to the National Highways website, the event is anticipated to clear between 14:00 and 14:15 on October 25, 2024.

Up-to-date travel information is available on the National Highways website at www.trafficengland.com, and Twitter updates can be followed at @HighwaysSWEST. For urgent real-time assistance, the company’s 24/7 contact centre team is available at 0300 123 5000.

Exeter Today will publish updates on this article as more information becomes available.