Devon M5 closed after car transporter carrying nine EVs caught fire

A car transporter carrying nine electric vehicles caught fire on the M5 in Devon early on Wednesday, October 1, forcing the motorway to close in both directions between junctions 28 and 29 and leaving drivers facing lengthy delays. The blaze, reported at about 7am near Cullompton, sent dark plumes of smoke across the area and prompted a full emergency response.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Devon and Cornwall Police and National Highways were at the scene. The fire service said, "We currently have five appliances and a water bowser in attendance on the M5 between junctions 28 and 29 where a car transporter carrying nine electric vehicles is fully involved in fire." National Highways confirmed the closure, saying, "The M5 in Devon is closed in both directions between J28 Cullompton and J29 Exeter due to an HGV fire." Traffic monitor systems indicated delays of around 30 minutes against expected traffic, with some motorists reporting much longer standstills.

Photographs and video from the scene showed heavy smoke and visible flames. One eyewitness reported, "Smoke seen for miles." Another motorist said they had been stationary since about 7.05am and had to cancel or...