A lorry hauling nine electric cars erupted into flames early this morning, forcing a total shutdown of the M5 motorway between junctions 28 and 29. The southbound carriageway caught fire around 6:30am, sparking a major incident declared by Devon and england/south-west/england/south-west/england/south-west/somerset/”>somerset/”>somerset/”>Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS).
Smoke, Fireballs and Gridlock
Motorists faced chaos as thick black smoke billowed into the sky. Dan Cooke, trapped in the jam, described the scene to BBC Radio Devon: “It was like a firework show, a huge fireball exploding across the M5.” Fire crews battled for hours while the charred lorry continued to smoulder.
The northbound side reopened by 10:20am, but the southbound lanes remained closed until around 6pm, causing huge traffic nightmares and prompting police to warn drivers to avoid the area.
Complex Recovery and Long Delays Ahead
Firefighters have removed the vehicles from the top deck of the transporter, but the lower cars need time to cool before safe removal. DSFRS called it a “complex vehicle recovery operation,” with major resurfacing work expected.
Devon County Council reported severe backups on diversion routes, especially at Bickleigh Bridge on the A396. Drivers should prepare for heavy delays for the foreseeable future.
Stay with us for the latest as crews race to clear the wreckage and fully reopen this vital stretch of the M5.
Originally published on UKNIP