A PICK UP fire on the motorway caused chaos for commuters as it brought the city to a standstill.
The fire broke out on the M5 in Worcester this morning (October 11) closing two lanes at junction six near Worcester for hours leading to traffic chaos around the city.
Morning commutes were affected by long queues at motorway junctions and on the A4440.
Firefighters were first called to the incident just before 7am at Junction 6 on the M5 Southbound.
While firefighters tackled the blaze, both lanes one and two of the motorway were closed.
The lane reopened approximately four hours later.
Long queues were caused by drivers leaving the motorway at junction six and trying to re-enter at junction seven.
A Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Two Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews from Worcester Fire Station were called at 6.48am on October 11 to a small vehicle on fire on the M5 Southbound between junctions 6 and 7.
"A pickup was well alight and the fire was fought by two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and using one hosereel jet."
A plume of smoke, hundreds of feet tall could be seen from miles away whilst firefighters worked to regain control.
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "We had reports of a vehicle on fire on the slip road to Junction 6 of the M5 shortly before 7am this morning.
"Police were not in attendance and the incident was handled by the highways agency."
National Highways has been approached for comment.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here