M5 traffic LIVE: Van on fire sparks MILES of delays as tourists flock to holiday hotspot
Commuters are facing chaos on the M5 this afternoon after a van suddenly erupted in flames, forcing traffic to a halt. Cameras the gridlock just above Exeter[1], with those travelling between Cullompton and Honiton left stranded in their cars. Roads and traffic monitoring site Inrix reported the fire at 4.04pm.
It said: "Queueing traffic and two lanes closed due to a van fire on M5 Southbound from J28 A373 Honiton Road (Cullompton / Service Area) to J29 A30 Honiton Road (Exeter / Honiton). "Traffic was held around 16:00."
18:43Zahra KhaliqTraffic across Somerset, Bristol and Gloucestershire
Drivers in Somerset, Bristol and Gloucestershire say they're also facing traffic this evening. One driver said: "At the moment can't even get on the motorway at Taunton." Another driver described the northbound carriageway as being at a standstill.
A third said they were trapped in delays in South Gloucestershire.
18:28Zahra KhaliqM5 queues northbound
There is currently queueing traffic on the M5 northbound around J21 A370 (Weston-super-mare).
17:58Zahra KhaliqScene is 'cordoned off'
One person on the M5 says a cordon is in place around where the van caught fire. They said: "Lane one closed between Cullompton and Exeter southbound due to a van fire. The fire is out and is cordoned off.
Highways is there and traffic is heavy."
17:45KEY EVENTDrivers fume as traffic is still a 'nightmare'
Drivers are currently facing major delays on both the north and south bound carriageways of the M5. The traffic has been described by commuters as "really bad" and a "nightmare," Somerset Live reports, with others warned to completely avoid the motorway where possible.
A van fire has sparked miles of delays (National Highways)17:31Zahra KhaliqStatement from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said in a statement: "We were called to reports of a van fire on the M5 south between J28 Cullompton and J29 Sowton. "The fire has been extinguished but three lanes of the motorway have been closed to allow for the clear up of oil and water run-off.
17:28Zahra Khaliq'Whole of M5 knackered'
A driver on the M5 says the entire motorway is "knackered" following today's incident.
"Whole of M5 knackered both ways. Junction 1-20 at least," they said.
17:17KEY EVENTThree lanes of the M5 closed
Three lanes of the motorway have been closed to allow for the clear up of oil and water run-off after a van caught fire. Long delays are to be expected, with commuters describing the traffic as being "at a standstill".
17:14KEY EVENTVan bursts into flames
A van fire has sparked gridlock traffic on the M5 this evening.
Roads and traffic monitoring site Inrix said: "All traffic being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to a van fire on M5 Southbound from J28 A373 Honiton Road (Cullompton/Service Area) to J29 A30 Honiton Road (Exeter/Honiton ).
Held around 16:00."
17:01Zahra KhaliqWhat areas are facing traffic?
Traffic southbound on the motorway is at a standstill between Cullompton and Honiton.