TRAFFIC was at a standstill as emergency services dealt with a car fire on the M5 near Worcester. 

All lanes were closed after the fire on the M5 southbound between Junction 7 for Worcester (S) and Evesham and J8 for the M50 on Thursday morning (November 28).

At least one of the three lanes was closed for around two hours as commuters struggled to beat the rush hour traffic. 

The crash took place on the hard shoulder of the M5 southbound between junctions 7 and 8, with all lanes initially closed to traffic. 

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However, all but one of the lanes were re-opened at around 8.30am. 

The fire also caused congestion between Junction 6 for Droitwich and Junction 7 for Worcester (S) and Evesham. 

Police were initially called at around 7.30am before deferring the incident to Worcestershire County Council's highways team. 

The fire service was called around ten minutes after the police, with two crews attending to fight the fire wearing breathing apparatus and using one hose reel jet.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was not called to the incident.

One commuter said the M5 Southbound was at a total standstill following the fire.

Another added: "Passing junction 6 it was completely stationary and traffic was queuing from junction 7 all the way back."

A Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Two Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews – one each from Worcester and Malvern Fire Stations – were called at 07:39 on 28 November to a small vehicle on fire on the M5 Southbound between junctions 7 and 8. 

"All three lanes of the M5 Southbound have been closed with the fire fought by two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and using one hose reel jet."

A West Mercia Police spokesperson added: "Police were called to the vehicle fire, which was on the hard shoulder of the M5 southbound between junctions 7 and 8, at around 7.30 am on Thursday morning. 

"However, we did not attend as the fire service and Highways were deemed as the most appropriate agencies."