ALL TRAFFIC has been forced to stop on a major motorway after a lorry fire.
Drivers travelling on the M62 near Huddersfield have been told to expect delays of up to an hour following the horror blaze.
Plumes of smoke could be see rising from the trailer
Drivers have been told to expect delays of up to an hour
There are up to six miles of congestion along the M62
Emergency services have been scrambled to Junction 24 on the busy road, with congestion stretching at least six miles to Junction 26.
Shocking footage showed plumes of smoke rising from a lorry trailer as horrified motorists slowly made their way past.
Drivers are being advised to avoid the area, as current delays are expected to last around four hours.
It is not yet clear what caused the fire, but it is understood to have started just before 7am.
The lorry was parked along the hard shoulder when a huge fireball tore through the HGV’s trailer.
Vehicles remain stationary in all four lanes.
Traffic officers are being assisted by crews from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.
National Highways confirmed that all traffic heading westbound had been stopped completely.
On its website, a warning read: “The M62 in West Yorkshire is closed westbound near Huddersfield, between J24 and J22, due to a lorry fire.
“Emergency services including West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue are in attendance.
“National Highways Traffic Officers are also on scene to assist with traffic management.
“Please note that there are currently 60 minute delays on the approach to J24, with 6 miles of congestion, almost back to J26 (Bradford South).”
Drivers are being diverted via the A629 north, the A646 and A58 west, through Sowerby Bridge and then the A672 south from Ripponden, to return to to J22.
National Highways continued: “If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time.
“Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”
Traffic has also slowed on the other side of the motorway due to drivers slowing down to look at the incident.
INRIX added: “M62 Westbound closed, severe delays due to vehicle fire from J24 A629 (Ainley Top) to J22 A672 (Rishworth Moor).
“Congestion to J25 (Brighouse). Also slowing on the opposite side due to on-lookers.
“The road was closed around 06:55am. Diversion – Via the solid square symbol on the A629 to Halifax, the A58 through Sowerby Bridge then the A672 to re-join at J22.”
More than two hours after the blaze was first reported, motorists are still being warned of delays of more than 60 minutes.
The incident is expected to clear at 2.30pm, as eastbound traffic starts to ease up.
x.com@/YappAppLtdEmergency services are currently dealing with the fire[/caption]
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