Full Breakdown
Major M65 Eastbound Closure After Early-Morning Lorry Fire
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
In the early hours of the morning, a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) caught fire on the eastbound carriageway of the M65 between Whitebirk in Blackburn (junction 6) and Accrington (junction 7) in Lancashire. Emergency services were alerted at approximately 05:15 BST. The fire was extinguished, but the incident caused a significant spillage that forced the motorway segment to close while the vehicle is recovered and the roadway is inspected for damage.
Official Response
National Highways confirmed that the closure is required to maintain a safe working environment for responders and to protect road users while the HGV is made safe. Police have issued an advisory urging motorists to avoid the affected stretch, to select alternative routes, and to allow extra journey time. No specific reopening time has been announced.
Traffic Impact and Detours
The shutdown of the eastbound lane between junction 6 and junction 7 has created major delays for traffic traveling toward Accrington and beyond. Drivers are being directed to use surrounding roads, including the A680 and local routes, to bypass the closure. The combination of the fire, spillage, and ongoing recovery work means that journey times in the area are expected to increase substantially until the motorway reopens.
Assessment and Recovery
Work crews are currently assessing damage to the carriageway and coordinating the removal of the damaged vehicle. The extent of repairs needed has not been disclosed, and the duration of the closure remains uncertain.
Outlook
With no confirmed reopening time, authorities advise motorists to monitor updates from National Highways and local police, and to plan for extended detours. The situation underscores the vulnerability of major transport corridors to incidents involving large vehicles and hazardous material spills.
