M5 reopens one lane following lorry fire

The motorway has now reopened on one of the southbound lanes between J3 (Halesowen) and J4 (Lydiate Ash) following the HGV blaze.

Although two of the lanes remain closed to enable the recovery of the damaged lorry.

Recovery work remains ongoing to clear the debris and burnt out trailer from the HGV fire on the #M5 southbound between J3 and J4. 2 lanes (of 3) remain closed at this time. Delays currently between these 2 junctions with approx: 4 miles of congestion. pic.twitter.com/wQFuWGo6NP

— Highways England (@HighwaysWMIDS) February 23, 2018

Highways England has opened up lane three to release trapped traffic but the carriageway remains closed to all other vehicles. 

Photo: Woodgate Valley Fire

A gritter is en-route to treat lanes one and two, which have been affected by water used to extinguish the fire, which started just after 6am.

Photos show the extent of the damage sustained by the fire on the #M5 southbound between J3 and J4. The carriageway is now being reopened at J3 to all traffic, however lanes 1 and 2 remain closed for recovery and clean-up works. pic.twitter.com/31CNVrafOV

— Highways England (@HighwaysWMIDS) February 23, 2018

Crews from West Midlands Fire Service and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service have been tackling the blaze.

Photo: Woodgate Valley Fire

A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said: “The incident involves a large good vehicle with trailer well alight. The vehicle contains a non-hazardous load.

“We sent crews to the scene at 6.18am from Oldbury, Haden Cross and Woodgate Valley, who are wearing two breathing apparatus and there is one hose reel in use.”