Live: Monster three-hour M5 chaos after lorry fire and crash as half-term getaway weekend begins

There is chaos on major roads in the South West after a series of traffic incidents. Delays of up to two hours are being experienced on the M5 after a lorry burst into flames in Somerset, while a crash further north has halted traffic near Weston-super-Mare.

Motorists are also facing queues on the A303 at Ilminster due to a collision, and flooding has been reported on the A3066 North Street, just outside Crewkerne. As we approach rush hour today (October 25), drivers may be advised to avoid main roads.

Two lanes remain closed on the M5 southbound as the previously ablaze lorry is cleared from the road, causing significant delays in both directions. The entire motorway was temporarily closed while fire crews attended the scene.

National Highways stated: “Lanes 1 and 2 remain closed for recovery and clear up works. We’re still reporting delays on approach of up to 2 hours in both directions. Please plan ahead of your journey.”

Meanwhile, a second incident, a collision, is causing further disruption further north. Traffic monitor Inrix reports: “Queueing traffic due to accident, now on the hard shoulder on M5 Northbound from J22 (Burnham-on-sea) to J21 A370 (Weston-super-mare). Was held around 15:10.”

There are also traffic jams on the A303, with both directions blocked: “A303 Bypass in both directions partially blocked, queueing traffic due to accident between A358 (Southfields roundabout, Ilminster) and Harp Road (Hayes End roundabout, South Petherton).”

We will bring you more updates here throughout the afternoon.