Severe delays following M1 lorry fire

The M1 has been closed in both directions at Leicester because of an ongoing lorry fire.

Fire crews from Western, Loughborough, Coalville, Shepshed, Southern & a Water Carrier from Loughborough were called to the southbound carriageway near Leicester Forest East Services just after 6am today, and the fire was still burning an hour later.

The motorway is closed in both directions from junction 21 at Markfield to junction 20 at Fosse Park and that is causing widespread traffic problems.

The A46 has congestion on the approach to the M1, as has the M69, and there are also queues on the M1 itself - both northbound and southbound.

A Fire Seevice spokesperson said : “Several calls were received to a large lorry on fire on the M1 south bound between J21A - 21. Large amounts of smoke can be seen. The Incident is approx. 1/2 mile before the Leicester Forest East Services. Lorry Trailer well alight. No casualty's have been reported.

1 Hose Reel Jet and 2 Breathing Apparatus in use.”

Lorry Fire on the M1. Photo; Highways England.