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Fire Engulfs Electric Car Transporter, Stranding M5 Drivers

Published

2 months ago

1 October, 2025

Drivers are currently stranded on the M5 motorway in Devon due to a significant fire involving a car transporter carrying nine electric vehicles. The blaze erupted around 07:00 on October 1, 2023, between the junctions for Cullompton and Exeter. As emergency crews work to control the situation, the motorway remains closed in both directions, causing major disruptions for motorists.

One driver, who was heading to work, reported being stuck since approximately 07:05. He expressed frustration, stating that the delays have forced him to “cancel or postpone our jobs.” With traffic completely halted, he noted, “We aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.”

Emergency services, including the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, are on-site battling the flames. According to a spokesperson from the service, the transporter is “fully involved” in the fire. Images and videos shared by onlookers show thick black smoke and bright orange flames consuming the vehicle and its cargo.

National Highways confirmed the closure, stating, “The M5 in Devon is closed in both directions between J28 (Cullompton) and J29 (Exeter) due to an HGV fire.” They added that the Devon and Cornwall Police and other emergency services are assisting in managing the situation and directing traffic away from the area.

“We currently have five appliances and a water bowser in attendance on the M5 between junctions 28 and 29 where a car transporter carrying nine electric vehicles is fully involved in fire,”

the spokesperson mentioned.

As a result of the incident, motorists are advised to avoid the area entirely. Traffic is being diverted off the motorway, and significant delays are expected as crews continue to work on extinguishing the fire and clearing the scene. The situation remains dynamic, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Drivers should stay tuned for further announcements from local authorities and plan alternative routes to avoid the closed sections of the M5.

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