Motorway shut as crews deal with lorry fire

PLUMES of smoke from a lorry fire resulted in long delays on the M1.

Both carriageways were closed between Junctions 22 and 23 from about 1.50pm on Thursday as emergency services dealt with the blaze.

Highways officers were first to the scene, between Coalville and Loughborough, where the driver had escaped the vehicle.

A fire service spokesman confirmed at the time that no injuries were reported.

Traffic on the southbound carriageway was released after 2pm but the northbound side remained closed for several hours and drivers were warned to avoid the area if possible.

A collision that took place at about 10pm the previous day meant emergency carriageway repairs were being carried out one kilometre away from the lorry fire, which caused further delays on the road.

By 3pm, one of the three lanes had reopened, but motorists still faced about seven miles of congestion due to disruption caused by both incidents.

Delays continued throughout the day with one lane still closed.

The fire service spokesman said the fire is believed to have started in the cab of the lorry.

The cab was almost completely destroyed.

Although it has not been confirmed, firefighters believed the cause to be a mechanical fault.