A cider lorry has exploded into a 'massive' fireball on the M5 causing traffic chaos and road closures.
Police have shut off a section of the major motorway in both directions at Junction 20 near Clevedon in North Somerset due to the blaze.
Shocking images from the scene show a Weston's cider lorry engulfed in flames as plumes of thick black smoke billow into the air.
The HGV was carrying 50 empty kegs of booze and three pallets of bottled cider when the blaze erupted, according to Avon Fire & Rescue Service.
A spokesperson for the drinks firm confirmed it was their truck on fire and that miraculously the driver was unharmed and is safe and well - with Avon & Somerset Police also reporting no injuries, Bristol Live reports.
Highways South-West said the incident has lead to queues of traffic stretching back for six-and-a-half miles and warned motorists of around one-hour delays both ways.
Emergency crews remain at the scene and drivers are being asked to avoid the area.
A spokesperson for Avon & Somerset Police said: "A road closure is currently in place on the M5 northbound from between junction 20 (Clevedon) to junction 19 (Portishead) due to a vehicle fire. There are no reported injuries.
A lorry carrying cider caught fire on the M5- which means all lanes Northbound are currently shut between junction 20 (Clevedon) to junction 19 (Portishead).
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"Long delays are expected and motorists are advised to avoid the route."
Darryl Hinksman, Head of Business Development at Westons Cider told Bristol Live:: "Yes one of our vehicles did catch fire a couple of hours ago on the M5 near the exit for Clevedon.
"Thankfully the driver is unharmed and as far as we are aware there are no reports of any other injuries; we are currently making arrangements to bring the driver home.
"This is quite a new vehicle and at the moment we have no idea as to the cause of the incident."
Earlier this afternoon, a spokesperson for Avon Fire & Rescue Service recounted the moment fire crews rushed to the scene.
They said: "Crews from Avonmouth, Clevedon and Nailsea were called at 13:11 to reports of a HGV fire on the M5 Northbound between junctions 19 and 20.
"On arrival, firefighters found an articulated HGV well alight. Crews are currently using two 45mm jets to extinguish the blaze."
Avon Fire and Rescue have now confirmed the crews have put out the blaze.
In a statement released on Twitter they said: "The fire has now been extinguished. A lorry carrying 50 empty kegs and three pallets of bottled cider was found well alight.
"Firefighters used one high pressure hose reel, two 45mm jets and gas monitors to extinguish the blaze."
One witness recalled hearing "massive explosions" at around 1.48pm today in a Facebook post.
Travel site Inrix says: "All traffic being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to vehicle fire on M5 in both directions at J20 B3133 Ettlingen Way (Clevedon). Traffic has been held on the northbound side since 13:25. Southbound traffic was held at 13:35."
Highways South-West tweeted: "The #M5 is closed northbound between J21 ( #WestonSuperMare ) and J20 ( #Clevedon ) due to a HGV fire.
"All emergency services are working at the scene with #TrafficOfficers assisting with closures. Please allow extra time for your journey as delays of 30 minutes on the approach."
The agency added that one northbound lane between J21 and J20 has reopened, while three more lanes remain closed.
It's believed that the congestion has caused a 6.5mile queue, adding at least 50 minutes to journey times.
