Drivers have been warned to expect delays this morning along a major southwestern route after a vehicle fire caused traffic to crawl to 3mph.
The incident saw the M5 closed in both directions between Junction 28 in Cullompton and Junction 29 in Exeter following a serious lorry fire near Exeter International Airport.
The fire was caused by a car transporter carrying electric vehicles, which caught fire on the carriageway, with large plumes of smoke seen across the area.
Fire crews from Devon & Cornwall Fire and Rescue remain at the scene, working to bring the blaze under control with police, ambulance crews and National Highways traffic officers also assisting.
Drivers have now been urged to avoid the stretch of the motorway and expect significant delays throughout the afternoon.
National Highways have also put a series of diversion routes in place to help drivers avoid being caught in the traffic mayhem.
Southbound traffic is being directed to leave the M5 at Junction 28 and follow the A373 before joining the B3181 through Cullompton, Westcott, Budlake and Broadclyst, eventually rejoining the motorway at Junction 30.
Northbound drivers are being diverted off at Junction 29, taking the A30 and Cumberland Way towards the B3181, before rejoining the motorway at Junction 28.
The M5 has been closed near Exeter Airport this morning due to a fire
|NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Motorists have been urged to allow extra time for their journeys, to consider alternative routes or to delay travel until the road reopens.
Updating drivers, National Highways shared on X: "The M5 is closed in both directions between J28 Cullompton and J29 Honiton due to a lorry fire."
Devon and Cornwall Roads Policing Team shared on X: "Due to a large lorry fire containing electrical vehicles, the M5 between junctions 28-29 is closed in both directions.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service are in attendance with numerous resources."
The fire was caused by an HGV carrying electric vehicles
|NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
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The M5 motorway connects the Midlands to the South West region of the UK and spans more than 160 miles in length, starting at Junction 8 of the M6, at West Bromwich, and ending in Exeter, in Devon.
National Highways reports have suggested delays in excess of 50 minutes, with drivers warned of disruptions throughout the morning.
Drivers have been advised to follow the diversion route in place
|NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Devon & Cornwall Police told GB News: "The M5 is currently closed between Junctions 29 and 28 due to a lorry fire on the motorway near Cullompton.
"Diversion routes are in place; however, the incident has resulted in significant traffic issues, and we advise motorists to avoid the area.
"Police, the fire service and Highways England remain at the scene and the incident is ongoing."