The motorway is expected to remain closed for some time following the incident
A section of busy motorway remains closed after a lorry became engulfed in flames. Clips have surfaced depicting the dramatic moment a lorry was engulfed by a fireball on the M5 just over the Welsh border in the early hours of this Wednesday morning.
The incident occurred on the southbound carriageway between J13 (for Stroud) and J14 (for Falfield), near Gloucester. Drivers face long delays with the M5 remaining shut in the southbound direction where the double-decker trailer, carrying pallets, caught fire.
Emergency services, including Gloucestershire Police and Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue, have been at the scene for several hours. Stay in the know by making sure you’re receiving our daily newsletter
Videos shared with Gloucestershire Live show firefighters hastily working to control the fire. The footage shows thick billows of smoke and the fire engulfing the vehicle.
National Highways stated that the recovery of the vehicle and debris has begun after the fire was put out. The agency warned that the full closure of the M5 will persist for some time, reports Gloucestershire Live.
The southbound carriageway remains closed between J13 A419 (Stroud) to J14 B4509 (Thornbury / Falfield).
A diversion route is currently in place for motorists travelling southbound. Following the solid circle diversion symbol, drivers will use the A419, A38 and B4509 to rejoin the M5 post-incident.
There is congestion in the area as traffic builds up on the M5 and nearby A38. Cameras have captured queues extending back towards junction 11 of the motorway.
A spokesperson for National Highways said: “Whilst the load is believed not to be hazardous, a full closure will be required to safely remove the vehicle and debris. Once the fire service have completed their operations, the road surface will need to be inspected to ensure it is safe for traffic. National Highways are liaising closely with the fire service to reopen lanes at the earliest safe opportunity. Drivers are advised to allow extra time and take care on approach.”
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