A major motorway in Somerset was closed for hours due to a dramatic lorry fire on Friday. The incident, which occurred between Burnham-On-Sea and Bridgwater on the M5, caused significant disruption to motorists traveling in the area. Firefighters were called to the scene around 9.30am after a lorry caught fire, leading to thick smoke spreading across both carriageways. Local residents reported hearing three loud bangs at the onset of the fire, followed by the sight of thick smoke billowing from the vehicle.
Emergency crews worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames using water jets and other necessary equipment. As a result of the incident, long delays ensued on the M5 in both directions. Additionally, a separate medical emergency took place on the northbound carriageway between junctions 22 and 21, leading to the attendance of the ambulance service and an air ambulance. Although the northbound stretch of the motorway eventually reopened around 1pm, extensive tailbacks were reported all the way back to junction 25. National Highways issued warnings of delays lasting several hours, prompting drivers to seek alternative routes through East Huntspill, Bridgwater, and Highbridge, causing congestion on local roads.
The closure of the motorway and the subsequent congestion had a significant impact on the flow of traffic in the area, leading to frustration among travelers trying to navigate their way through the disruption. Motorists were urged to exercise caution and patience while authorities worked to clear the scene and restore normal traffic conditions.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected challenges that can arise on major roadways and the importance of emergency response teams in quickly and effectively addressing such situations to ensure the safety of all road users.