A MAJOR motorway has been closed after a massive collision which was followed moments later by an unrelated lorry fire breaking out.
Motorists have been warned to expect long delays in the wake of the chaos with traffic brought to a standstill on the busy road.
The M1 is currently closed after a road traffic collision on the northbound route between junction 8 (Hemel Hempstead) and junction 9 (Luton).
The road will be closed for some time, warned Hertfordshire Police.
Cops urged motorists to check routes before travelling and asked that drivers try to avoid the area.
Shortly after the collision a lorry waiting in traffic on the same road burst into flames with fire crews scrambled to tackle the inferno.
The incident caused further delays with traffic brought to a standstill by the blaze.
National Highways said a “significant clean up operation” was required after the travel chaos.
Traffic was being escorted slowly past the scene of the collision along the hard shoulder but has since been diverted off the motorway.
Motorists have been asked to drive carefully as they pass while cops and fire crews remain on scene.
A diversion has been put in place via the Hollow Triangle.
Hertfordshire Police said in a statement: “We are currently dealing with a road traffic collision on the M1 northbound between junction 8 (Hemel Hempstead) and junction 9 (Luton).
“The road will be closed for some time. Please check your route before travelling and try to avoid the area.”
The M2 is also being affected by delays following a serious multi-vehicle collision.
Drivers have been warned to check their routes before travelling with traffic currently being held on the road.
The eastbound carriageway of the M2 is partially blocked between Junction 5 (Sittingbourne/Stockbury roundabout) and Junction 6 (Faversham).
All traffic is being held on the road and there is heavy traffic to Junction 4 (Gillingham).
Current delays of about an hour are to be expected on the busy motorway with drivers asked to plan accordingly.
National Highways has said the to road is expected to clear around 6:45pm.
Emergency services are on scene providing assistance.x.com/@BBCLondonNews Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
