One lane still closed after Lorry fire closes M1 motorway between junction 23 and junction 23A

A lorry caught on fire on Monday afternoon on the M1 after colliding with a barrier Credit: BPM Media/ Leicestershire Live

The M1 motorway between Loughborough and Derby has been partially reopened this afternoon due to a lorry fire following a collision.

The motorway remains shut northbound between junction 23 for the A512 Ashby Road East (Loughborough) and junction 23a for the A42 (Derby / East Midlands Airport / Tamworth.)

Drivers are facing long delays as all traffic is currently being held. Despite the reopening of the southbound junction, traffic is very slow moving.

A spokesman for Leicestershire Police said: "We received a report that a lorry had collided with a barrier on the M1 at around 1pm.

"It was also reported the lorry was alight.

"Officers are currently on scene with colleagues from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, the East Midlands Ambulance Service and National Highways.

"The driver was not injured and the motorway remains closed at this time."

The force has also urged motorists to "please avoid and find alternative routes."

National Highways East Midlands have shared an update, with an image of the lorry post-fire Credit: National Highways East Midlands

In a tweet, National Highways: East Midlands said: "M1 north between J23 and J23A is now closed due to a collision involving a lorry which has subsequently caught fire."

They added: "All emergency services are in attendance.

"The southbound carriageway is also blocked due to the smoke however we hope this release traffic soon."

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue have confirmed the fire is under control.

Drivers are facing lengthy delays and queues on the M1 in the East Midlands Credit: BPM Media

In a statement, they said: "Fire now under control, damping down of lorry and surrounding area in progress.

"2 Hose Reel Jets in use using water. 2 Breathing Apparatus in use working in the open and cutting away of lorry.

"Recovery in attendance and have mobilised a digger to assist with dragging out of lorry and surrounding area.

"Highways in attendance assessing damage to roadway and furniture. Structural engineer has been requested by Highways due to safety concerns."

The M1 services on this stretch of the motorway are:

  • Tibshelf services northbound and southbound between junctions 28 and 29

  • Moto Trowell southbound between junctions 26 and 25

  • Moto Donington Park and junction 23A