M5 HGV fire: Drivers face hour-long delays after cider lorry burst into flames

Traffic chaos has ensued on the M5 after a cider lorry ‘exploded’ near Bristol, shutting off a stretch of the motorway.

The M5 Northbound is closed between junction 20 (Clevedon) and junction 19 (Portishead) after the HGV burst into flames this afternoon (Monday, April 25), sending a cloud of black smoke billowing across Somerset.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said there had been no reported injuries, but long delays were expected with drivers advised to avoid the route.

Motorists on Twitter have reported sitting at a standstill in long tailbacks for nearly an hour.

A statement from Avon Fire and Rescue reads: “Crews from Avonmouth, Nailsea and Clevedon were called to reports of a HGV fire on the M5 Northbound.

“On arrival, firefighters found one lorry carrying 50 empty kegs and three pallets of bottled cider was found well alight.

“Crews used one high pressure hose reel, two 45mm jets and gas monitors to extinguish the blaze. Three firefighters wore breathing apparatus for safety.”

The cause of the fire is thought to be accidental.