A major incident on the M5 in Devon has brought traffic to a standstill after a lorry loaded with electric batteries and household appliances caught fire. The northbound carriageway between Junction 30 and Junction 29 is closed, and motorists face long delays as emergency teams work to clear the scene.
Where and why the M5 is closed
The closure affects the M5 northbound between J30 (Sandygate Interchange, near Exeter) and J29 (Sowton Interchange, serving Honiton and Exeter Airport).
Fire crews attended after a freight vehicle carrying large quantities of electric batteries and domestic goods ignited. Battery fires can burn intensely and present extra hazards for firefighters, so the response has been cautious and thorough.
Who is at the scene and what they are doing
- Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service leading firefighting operations.
- Devon and Cornwall Police managing the road closure and local safety.
- National Highways traffic officers coordinating traffic and setting diversion signs.
Officials have kept the carriageway closed while they extinguish the blaze and assess damage to the road and nearby structures.
Official diversion route and step-by-step guidance for drivers
National Highways has introduced a signed diversion. Drivers are urged to follow the solid diamond symbol on local signs.
- Leave the M5 northbound at Junction 30.
- At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Sidmouth Road.
- Proceed through the next roundabout onto Moor Lane.
- At the A3015 Moor Lane Roundabout, take the third exit onto Honiton Road.
- Turn left at the subsequent junction to rejoin the M5 northbound at Junction 29.
Following the diversion will help ease congestion on approach routes and keep motorists away from the incident area.
Traffic delays, congestion levels and travel advice
National Highways warned of severe delays, estimating around 120 minutes of delay for some drivers and reporting approximately nine miles of congestion back to Junction 30.
Motorists planning journeys through Devon this evening have been asked to check traffic updates before setting off. Alternative travel times or routes should be considered where possible.
What authorities have said
Police confirmed they were alerted to the lorry fire on the northbound carriageway near Exeter and that the road has been closed at Junction 30. Emergency services remain at the scene and further updates will follow as the situation develops.
National Highways advised drivers to stay informed via official channels and to obey diversion signage until the carriageway reopens.
Expected timeline for reopening and ongoing risks
Agencies on scene expect traffic conditions to return to normal later in the afternoon, with an estimated reopening window between 4:45pm and 5:00pm. This timeframe is provisional and may change if recovery or safety checks take longer.
Recovery crews must ensure the carriageway is safe and free from debris and any hazardous residues from battery materials before allowing traffic to flow.
Why battery fires cause complex incidents
Electric battery fires differ from typical vehicle fires. They can:
- Produce high temperatures and re-ignite after initial suppression.
- Release toxic fumes requiring specialist protective measures.
- Need controlled cooling and extended monitoring.
These factors can extend the time highways remain closed and increase the scale of emergency response required.
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