A significant traffic disruption is currently affecting the M5 motorway southbound in Gloucestershire due to a lorry that has caught fire. The incident occurred this morning, leading to the complete closure of the motorway as emergency services respond to the situation. National Highways has indicated that fire crews are on-site and are actively working to control the flames and assess the situation. This disruption is particularly impactful during morning rush hour, as drivers are facing extensive delays and long queues on the motorway.

The authorities have informed the public that they do not expect recovery operations to be completed before 06:00. While the load on the lorry is reported to be non-hazardous, the safety of reopening lanes remains dependent on the fire being completely extinguished and the site being deemed safe for traffic. In the interim, National Highways has provided a diversion route for drivers traveling northbound, outlining several detours to help manage the flow of traffic away from the incident site.

As the situation develops, the impact on travel times is likely to be significant, and it remains uncertain how long the motorway will remain closed. With the added complexity of morning rush hour, commuters are advised to seek alternative routes and stay updated through National Highways and local traffic advisories. Such incidents highlight the critical role of timely interventions by emergency services in mitigating disruption and ensuring public safety on busy transportation routes.