Motorists heading out for the half-term break faced chaos on the M5 as a massive lorry fire caused the motorway to remain closed for nine hours.
The incident began at 9:30 AM between junctions 22 and 23, stranding countless families eager to escape for the holiday.
As thick black smoke billowed into the sky, emergency services rushed to the scene to tackle the blaze, which involved a lorry carrying milk powder and diesel.
Although the fire was eventually extinguished, traffic remained heavily disrupted, with two of the three lanes still closed as of late afternoon.
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Drivers abandoned their vehicles in frustration, with reports of people playing football on the carriageway to pass the time.
Many families were spotted stretching their legs and letting their pets roam as they waited for the situation to improve.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as a mix of camaraderie and exasperation, with one motorist, Kelly Jakeman, commenting, “There were loads of different groups playing football, and it was actually quite nice to see.”
The northbound carriageway has since reopened, but significant tailbacks continue to affect the southbound lanes.
National Highways South West advised motorists to remain in their vehicles for safety while crews worked to clear the wreckage.
Meanwhile, frustrated drivers took to social media to vent their frustrations. One user noted, “Avoid M5 south at a standstill—motorway shut both sides, people out of their cars. All engines off.”
As the half-term holiday officially begins this weekend, the disruption serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of travel.
Motorists are urged to plan their routes carefully, especially with millions of families hitting the roads for a break.
The incident highlights the challenges of holiday travel and the importance of patience during unexpected delays.
For now, many are left with little choice but to make the best of a tough situation.
