UPDATE: A lorry was 70% damaged by fire after bursting into flames on the M5 through Somerset.

Fire crews from Taunton and Bridgwater were sent to the scene – on the northbound carriageway of the motorway near North Petherton – at just after 10.30am today (July 24).

“On arrival, the lorry was well alight, and crews got to work with breathing apparatus and hose reel jets,” a spokesperson for the Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said.

“The fire was extinguished and caused 70% damage to the lorry. The cause was deemed as accidental, believed to have been caused by the brakes.”

DRIVERS are delayed on the M5 through Somerset after a lorry caught fire.

The incident has seen fire crews sent to the northbound stretch of the motorway between Bridgwater and Taunton – at North Petherton.

It was reported at just after 10.30am and drivers are being warned of delays.

“Crews are currently dealing with a lorry fire on the M5 northbound carriageway,” a Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said.

“On arrival, the lorry was well alight, and crews got to work with breathing apparatus and hose reel jets.

“Please be advised this will affect traffic in the area.”