A CAR has been engulfed in flames causing one lane of M5 to be shut and traffic to slow to a crawl.
Devon and Somerset fire and rescue were called to a vehicle fire on the hard shoulder of the M5 near junction 24, Bridgwater South, shortly after 7.30am this morning (April 27).
One lane closed due to vehicle fire on M5 Northbound between J24 - J23
— Travel Somerset (@TravelSomerset) April 27, 2017
One fire engine from Bridgwater and one from Taunton were sent to the scene.
On arrival the crews confirmed the vehicle was well alight and got to work extinguishing the fire. The Highways Agency arrived very shortly after fire crews to assist with traffic duties.
The fire was extinguished using two breathing apparatus wearers and a hose reel jet.
The fire had started in the engine compartment and spread to the rest of the vehicle leaving it almost completely damaged by fire.
The hard shoulder and one lane of three were closed northbound.
The lane reopened shortly before 9am and traffic has returned to normal.
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