A significant lorry fire on the M5 motorway in Devon has resulted in major traffic disruption, with motorists facing severe delays on diversion routes. The incident began shortly after 6:30 a.m. when a car transporter carrying nine electric vehicles caught fire between junction 28 (Cullompton) and junction 29 (Exeter).
The blaze quickly escalated into a massive inferno, producing a towering mushroom cloud of smoke visible for miles. Emergency services promptly responded, extinguishing the fire earlier this morning. Despite the fire being put out, both carriageways of the M5 remain affected, with the southbound side still closed and no clear timetable for reopening.
National Highways implemented diversion routes directing traffic through Cullompton and surrounding villages including Westcott, Budlake, and Broadclyst. This rerouting has caused heavy congestion and gridlock as the local road network struggles to handle the increased volume of vehicles.
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A spokesperson from the Devon and Cornwall Roads Policing Team confirmed the fire is out but cautioned that the southbound carriageway will remain closed while recovery operations and monitoring continue to prevent any risk of reignition. They expressed appreciation to drivers for their patience during this ongoing disruption.