They could be stuck for hours
The car transporter and electric vehicle blaze on the M5 in Devon
Motorists are trapped on the M5 in Devon as firefighters tackle an intense blaze involving a car transporter and the nine electric vehicles it was carrying.
Speaking to DevonLive, one motorist heading to work said he had been stuck since about 7.05am and has had to “cancel or postpone our jobs” as a result of the delays.
“We aren’t going anywhere anytime soon,” he said.
Emergency services are at the scene of the blaze, between Cullompton and Exeter, where the fire broke out at around 7am on Wednesday, October 1.
The M5 has been closed in both directions and drivers are being diverted off the road while firefighters tackle the blaze.
Pictures show gridlock on the M5 on the approach to the incident and Devon and Cornwall Police are advising motorists to avoid the area completely.
A car transporter carrying electric vehicles burst into flames on the M5(Image: Submitted)
Photos and pictures taken at the scene from locals and motorists show dark plumes of smoke rising from the incident, with bright intense flames surrounding the vehicle and its cargo.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the transporter was “fully involved” in fire.
National Highways said: “The M5 in Devon is closed in both directions between J28 (Cullompton) and J29 (Exeter) due to an HGV fire.
“A car transporter carrying electric vehicles has caught fire, Devon & Cornwall fire and rescue are at scene and the road has been closed while they tackle the fire.
“Devon & Cornwall Police and emergency services are on scene being assisted by National Highways traffic Officers.”
A spokesperson said: “We currently have five appliances and a water bowser in attendance on the M5 between junctions 28 and 29 where a car transporter carrying nine electric vehicles is fully involved in fire.
“Both northbound and southbound carriages are currently closed.”