Fairground ride fire shuts off part of major UK motorway

A fairground lorry on fire blocked the M5 this morning, with thick smoke seen pouring into the air.

The driver managed to reach the hard shoulder, where flames were then seen licking up from the wheels.

Footage shot from another vehicle showed cars and vans slowing down to look before the road could be cordoned off.

Firefighters were called just before 9.30am to the blaze between junctions 22 and 23 near Bridgwater.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the trailer of the vehicle was ‘well alight’.

Two fire engines and a water carrier were sent to deal with the emergency, while police were also on scene.

The northbound carriageway was completely blocked while the fire was brought under control, with one lane then opening back up with two lanes remaining closed.

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said: ‘The driver assisted crews to detach the cab from the trailer and crew used breathing apparatus, water and foam jets to prevent the fire escalating.

‘The fire has now been extinguished and 80% of the trailer was damaged by fire. The M5 northbound has been partially reopened.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.