Seven mile tailbacks on the M5 in Somerset after a fairground ride catches fire

A fire involving a fairground ride being transported along the M5 in Somerset has led to tailbacks of around seven miles.

Emergency services were called just before 9.30am on Monday 15 July after the trailer of a lorry caught fire between junctions 22 for Burnham-on-Sea and and 23 for Bridgwater.

The road was initially closed, but two lanes have been reopened.

Video credit: UKcheckpoints.info

In a statement Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: We were called just before 9.30am to a fire on the M5 between junctions 22 and 23 involving a lorry carrying a fairground ride.

“We sent two pumping appliances and a water carrier. The driver assisted crews to detach the cab from the trailer and the crew used breathing apparatus, water and foam jets to prevent the fire from escalating.

“Police attended and closed the M5 northbound while the incident was taking place. The fire has now been extinguished and 80 per cent of the trailer was damaged by fire.”