Cider-maker Westons has issued a statement after one of its lorries was involved in a major blaze on the M5 near Bristol today. Dramatic photos from the scene of the incident near junction 20 for Clevedon show the vehicle engulfed in a ball of flames.
The lorry was carrying 50 empty kegs and three pallets of bottled cider when it burst into flames just after 1pm.
Police have confirmed that no one was injured in the incident with Westons saying it has made arrangements for the driver to be brought home safely.
Read more: 'Massive explosion' as Westons cider lorry bursts into flames near Clevedon - updates
The cause of the blaze is currently unknown but the fire is now out.
Darryl Hinksman, head of business development at Westons Cider, said: "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."
There are reports of miles of traffic on the M5 with over eight-miles of tailbacks between junction 20 and 19 approaching Bristol.
Highways England said in an update at 4.30pm: "Lane 3 (of 4) has also reopened past the scene of the HGV fire on the M5 north between J20 Clevedon & J19 Bristol lanes 1 & 2 remain closed. There is currently approx 8.8 miles of congestion on approach adding at least 60 minutes to normal journey times.
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.
Get live updates on the incident in our blog.
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