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Drivers face severe delays after lorry fire

The M5 has reopened in Somerset after a lorry caught fire

Drivers face long delays after a lorry fire closed a section of a motorway.

The M5 has now reopened in both directions between junction 22, at Burnham-on-Sea, and junction 23 at Puriton, with two lanes still closed southbound.

Emergency surface repairs are anticipated to be carried out later on Friday evening.

National Highways says motorists face up to four hours of delays compared to normal travel time.

Alana Webb Four firefighters, in protective clothing and yellow helmets, trying to extinguish a fire on the M5. At the bottom of the picture is the motorway barrier, and above is a green lorry with flames coming out of the side. Alana Webb
All lanes had been closed between between junctions 22 and 23 on the M5

The truck was transporting "agricultural grade milk powder" for Mole Valley, the agricultural supplies company said.

A spokesperson for Mole Valley added: "It was likely a wheel or tyre failure caused the fire.

"The driver called the emergency services immediately and the driver is safe."

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