Huge lorry fire forces major motorway to close before weekend rush

Images show a lorry engulfed in flames,wit drivers travelling for weekend plans warned of long delays (Picture: Highways England)

A lorry fire has forced the M1 to close while emergency services race to the scene.

All traffic has been held between J29 and 28 for Chesterfield and Mansfield,Nottinghamshire.

Images show a lorry engulfed in flames,wit drivers travelling for weekend plans warned of long delays.

National Highways East Midlands said: ‘Traffic has been stopped on the M1 southbound in Derbyshire between J29 (Chesterfield) and J28 (Mansfield) due to a lorry fire.

‘Emergency services are just arriving on scene. Thanks for your patience if you’re held up.’

The M1 was also shut in both directions just hours before after a collision sparked four-mile queues.

National Highways said previously: ‘Lane 3 (of 3) is closed on the #M1 northbound between J20 (#Lutterworth) and J21 (#M69 #Leicester) due to a collision.

‘Traffic Officers are on scene.

‘There are 30 min delays above normal journey time with 4 miles congestion.’