PART of the M5 has now reopened after a lorry fire closed the motorway. 

Smoke billowed across the M5 in Worcester this morning (Thursday) after a lorry carrying milk powder caught fire.

A large emergency service presence was on the M5, northbound, between junction 8 (M50) and junction 7 (Worcester south).

Evesham Journal: Fire crews on the scene of the incident. Fire crews on the scene of the incident. (Image: Joe Forbes)Dramatic photos show the front part of the lorry engulfed in flames while smoke spread across both carriageways. 

Fire crews were seen tackling the please with hosereel jets.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: "Lanes 2 and 3 (of 3) are now open on the M5 northbound between J8 (M50) and J7 (Worcester south).

Evesham Journal: Smoke is coming from a lorry near M5. Smoke is coming from a lorry near M5. (Image: National Highways)
"Lane one remains closed past the scene; Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service are being assisted by Gloucestershire Fire at the scene.

"Delays of 60 minutes and approximately four miles of congestion on approach."

Pictures published by National Highways show the extent of the damage to the lorry, with its carriage sheeting burnt through.

Evesham Journal: Milk powder is spilling onto the road.Milk powder is spilling onto the road. (Image: National Highways)Drivers are still being urged to avoid the area following the incident.

A spokesperson for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: "Three HWFR crews – one each from Worcester, Pershore, and Ross-on-Wye Fire Station—plus the water carrier from Evesham and a Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service crew from Tewkesbury were called at 6.33am on March 14 to a large vehicle on fire on the M5 Northbound between junctions 8 and 7.

"A fire was in the cab area and trailer of a lorry carrying milk powder and this is being fought using a hosereel jet.

Evesham Journal: A driver took this image southbound on the M5.A driver took this image southbound on the M5. (Image: NQ)"A complete closure of the northbound carriageway is in place with smoke affecting the southbound carriageway.

"Police are also in attendance."

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police added: "We are aware of long tailbacks on the M5 northbound between junctions 8 and 7 following a lorry fire on the hard shoulder this morning.

"Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes for the time being."