DRAMATIC pictures of the M5 caravan fire were taken by a flight instructor as he flew over the blaze which closed the motorway in Worcester.

Matt Coles was passing over as flames leapt from the caravan and a thick, black cloud of smoke rose into the sky this morning (August 1).

Mr Coles said: "It was gridlocked.

"The motorway looked closed and you could see the smoke from miles away.

"It's not good when people are stuck in traffic like this on one of the hottest days of the year."

BLAZE: Flames and smoke pour from the caravan on the M5 (Image: Matt Coles)

Emergency services were called to the motorway at around 10.45am this morning and the incident closed the motorway in both directions for over 30 minutes. 

LIVE UPDATES: M5 traffic following caravan fire in Worcester

Southbound lanes have now reopened but traffic northbound continues to mount as only one lane is currently open. 

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "Police were called at around 10.45am to a caravan on fire on the hard shoulder of the M5 between junctions 7 and 8 northbound.

"Both sides of the M5 were closed, and lanes 1 and 2 northbound remain closed, although lane 3 has reopened with traffic heavy in the area.

"The southbound lanes have also reopened and there are no injuries reported."

Four fire crews attended the incident and remain on scene after the fire destroyed 100% of the caravan. 

(Image: Matt Coles)

A Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Three crews – one each from Worcester, Droitwich and Evesham Fire Stations – plus the water carrier from Evesham and a Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service crew from Tewkesbury were called at 10.44am on August 1 to a small vehicle on fire on the M5 Northbound between junctions 8 and 7.

"A caravan on the hard shoulder was well alight and 100 per cent destroyed by fire which was fought by two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and using two hosereels.

"Lanes 1 and 2 on the motorway were closed.

"The incident was marked as stop at 11.34am but crews remain at the scene.

"Police and Highways were also in attendance."