A major motorway has been closed as a lorry fire broke out, causing large delays for drivers in the area.
Police and the fire service are at the scene on the southbound side between junction 29 for Chesterfield and junction 28 for Mansfield of the M1. Large queues have built up since the alarm was raised in the area at around 6.30am as fire crews battled the large flames in the middle of the road. A concerning photo shared from the scene shows the lorry well alight with black smoke billowing into the air, with a police car and fire engines nearby preparing to fight the blaze.
National Highways East Midlands posted a photo of the lorry fire. A spokesperson for Highways said: “Traffic has been STOPPED on the M1 southbound in Derbyshire between J29 (Chesterfield) and J28 (Mansfield) due to a lorry fire. Emergency services are just arriving on scene. Thanks for your patience if you’re held up.”
The blaze has since been put out by firefighters and a lane remains closed as traffic is taken around the charred remains of the large vehicle. Photos show the burnt out remains of the lorry which requires moving before the motorway can fully reopen.
National Highways said in an update: “Traffic has now been released in lane 4 on the M1 southbound in Derbyshire between J29 (Chesterfield) and J28 (Mansfield). All other lanes remain closed at this time whilst the fire service remain in attendance. There are long delays on approach.
“Two lanes (of four) are now open on the M1 southbound in Derbyshire between J29 (Chesterfield) and J28 (Mansfield). Recovery is being arranged for the burnt out lorry. There are minor delays on approach. Allow extra time.”
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