Long delays on M1 near Northampton as firefighters respond to vehicle fire
UPDATE: All lanes have now reopened and firefighters have left the scene.
Drivers are warned of long delays on the M1 near Northampton, as firefighters tackle a vehicle fire.
Two of four lanes are closed on the southbound carriageway between Junction 17 and Junction 16 today Thursday March 19.
According to National Highways, firefighters are on scene and there are delays of around 25 minutes, with queues for four miles.
AA Traffic is also reporting severe delays, with an average speed of five mph.
A Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) spokesman said: “NFRS was called to reports of a vehicle fire on the M1 southbound between junctions 16 and 17, shortly after 8am today.
“Appliances from Daventry, Towcester and The Mounts arrived on scene and found a HGV tractor unit with flames coming from the exhaust area.
“Two lanes of the M1 have been closed by the Highways Agency while firefighters use hose reel jets to cool the exhaust area.
“Two appliances remain on scene and are continuing to monitor the vehicle’s temperature using thermal imaging cameras.”
Drivers are advised to avoid the area, where possible.