Picture shows extent of M1 car transporter fire as people warned of extensive delays

A picture has shown the extent of a car transporter fire that occurred on the M1, leading to extensive delays at rush hour. Fire crews from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire tackled the blaze, which occurred just before 3pm on Friday, November 29.

Long delays resulted from the incident as traffic was approaching rush hour, with queues in place near the lay-by at junction 27 towards Annesley. Motorists were asked to avoid the area, while bus passengers seeking to use Trent Barton services were advised of extensive delays and journey times.

A picture from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) shows two firefighters on an aerial ladder extinguishing the fire. Three cars on the transporter, as well as its cabin, seem to be damaged beyond repair.

The back of a car in front of the transporter has also been engulfed in flames. A spokesperson for NFRS said: "We are working with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service on an incident on the M1, where a vehicle transporter is on fire.

"There are delays in the area and the incident has caused a build up of traffic near the lay-by at Jct 27 towards Annesley. Please avoid the area and plan another route home."

Trent Barton services operating in the area were also affected. The transport company said: "We're currently seeing extensive delays & journey times to many of our brands this afternoon.

"There is a car transporter on fire on Mansfield Road from M1 J27 to Willow Drive (Sherwood Business Park). This is causing a knock-on effect with routes in the area."

Nottinghamshire Police said the carriageway reopened just after 7pm. The statement reads: " The Mansfield-bound carriageway of the A608 has now been reopened after an earlier incident near junction 27 of the M1.

"Emergency services had been called to the scene of a car transporter fire. The road was closed while the fire was brought under control."