M5 traffic: Motorists face severe delays after blaze breaks out near Burnham

Drivers face long delays after a lorry fire closed a section of a motorway.

The M5 has now reopened in both directions between junction 22, at Burnham-on-Sea, and junction 23 at Puriton, with two lanes still closed southbound.

Emergency surface repairs are anticipated to be carried out later on Friday evening.

National Highways says motorists face up to four hours of delays compared to normal travel time.

The truck was transporting “agricultural grade milk powder” for Mole Valley, the agricultural supplies company said.

A spokesperson for Mole Valley added: “It was likely a wheel or tyre failure caused the fire.

“The driver called the emergency services immediately and the driver is safe.”