Watch 'terrifying' moment lorry bursts into flames on M1 bringing motorway to a halt

A lorry has burst into flames on the M1 causing long delays for drivers.

The fire brought traffic to a complete standstill on the M1 southbound near Rotherham earlier this afternoon. A video of the fire, which was first reported at around 3pm on Saturday (June 29) shows flames engulfing the cabin of a truck as plumes of black smoke enter the sky.

A passenger in a car took the video and said it was 'terrifying'. The motorway remains closed between J32 for the M18 interchange and J33 for Catcliffe while emergency services tackle the blaze.

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A spokesperson for National Highways said: “The M1 in South Yorkshire is closed southbound between J33 (#Catcliffe) and J32 (#M18) due to a lorry fire. For further information, including diversion route details, please click here.

"Emergency services including South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue are in attendance. National Highways Traffic Officers are also on scene assisting with traffic management."

At the time of writing, the motorway remains closed and images from motorway cameras are continuing to show cars queuing from bumper to bumper in miles of tailbacks. The closure is also causing congestion of surrounding routes, including the A631 towards Whiston.

Our travel partner, Inrix, also reports: “M1 Southbound closed, stationary traffic due to lorry fire from J33 A630 (Catcliffe / Sheffield / Rotherham) to J32 M18 (M18 interchange). Congestion to the A631 towards Whiston. Diversion - via the A630.”

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