M5 closed after cider lorry bursts into flames on motorway

The busy M5 has closed after a cider lorry burst into flames.

The incident took place on the northbound carriageway between junction 20 and Junction 19 in North Somerset.

A section of both sides of the motorway have been shut as emergency services attend the scene, while no injuries have been reported.

A spokesperson for Avon & Somerset Police said: "A road closure is currently in place on the M5 northbound from between junction 20 (Clevedon) to junction 19 (Portishead) due to a vehicle fire. There are no reported injuries.

"Long delays are expected and motorists are advised to avoid the route."

Traffic monitoring system Inrix added: "All traffic being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to vehicle fire on M5 in both directions at J20 B3133 Ettlingen Way ( Clevedon ). Traffic has been held on the northbound side since 13:25. Southbound traffic was held at 13:35."

Westons Cider confirmed that it was one of their vehicles involved in the fire, adding that the driver was "unharmed".

Darryl Hinksman, Head of Business Development at Westons, told Devon Live: “Yes one of our vehicles did catch fire a couple of hours ago on the M5 near the exit for Clevedon.

“Thankfully the driver is unharmed and as far as we are aware there are no reports of any other injuries; we are currently making arrangements to bring the driver home.

“This is quite a new vehicle and at the moment we have no idea as to the cause of the incident."