Drivers have been warned to expect delays this afternoon after a major road incident has closed a key stretch of a vital motorway.
The M5 in Devon is currently shut northbound between Junction 30 at the Sandygate Interchange near Exeter and Junction 29 at the Sowton Interchange, which connects to Honiton and Exeter Airport.
The road was closed after a lorry carrying batteries and domestic appliances caught fire, which prompted an immediate response.
Emergency services are now at the scene, including Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Devon and Cornwall Police, and National Highways traffic officers.
Firefighters have managed to extinguish the blaze, which had reportedly proven difficult to control due to the nature of the lorry’s cargo.
According to reports, the fire broke out shortly after 1pm, with motorists now being warned to expect long delays of roughly 45 minutes with several miles of slow-moving traffic in the surrounding area.
The agency also warned that drivers could face up to 90-minute delays further north due to congestion continuing to build.
Thick smoke has been seen drifting across the motorway, and drivers are being urged to avoid the area if possible.
The fire has caused roughly 45 minutes of delays and severe congestion buildup
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National Highways has now put a diversion route in place, marked with a solid diamond symbol on local road signs.
Drivers have been advised to exit the M5 northbound at Junction 30. They should then take the second exit at the roundabout onto Sidmouth Road. Continue straight at the next roundabout onto Moor Lane.
At the A3015 Moor Lane Roundabout, they should take the third exit onto Honiton Road. From here, they can turn left at the next junction to rejoin the M5 northbound at Junction 29.
National Highways has urged anyone planning to travel through Devon this evening to check the latest information before setting off.
The fire was caused by the lorry containing batteries and electrical appliances
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Normal road conditions are expected to return by 5pm
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The agency reports stated that normal traffic conditions are expected to return later this afternoon between 4:45pm and 5pm.
Devon and Cornwall Police shared: "We were called to reports of a lorry fire on the northbound carriageway of the M5 between junctions 30 and 29, near Exeter.
"The northbound carriageway has been closed at junction 30. Emergency services remain at the scene. Further updates when we have them."
Updating drivers, National Highways has now warned of 120 minutes of delays in the area and nine miles of congestion on the approach to J30.
The M5 motorway links the Midlands to the South West region of the UK and spans just over 160 miles in length. It starts at Junction 8 of the M6, at West Bromwich, and ends in Exeter, in Devon.