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Fears of explosion close the M1 Fire crews remove van's cylinder
(about 1 hour later)
Fears of a gas explosion have closed the M1 in Northamptonshire north and southbound after a van containing a propane gas cylinder caught fire. Fire crews have removed a propane gas cylinder from a van which closed the M1 in Northamptonshire in both directions amid fears of an explosion.
The motorway has been closed near Watford gap services between junctions 16 and 17. Three fire crews used hose reels to extinguish the van fire then cool down the cylinder before it was removed.
Northamptonshire Police have put up a 200m cordon around the van which caught fire on the hard shoulder of the northbound carriageway. The motorway remains closed both south and northbound near to Watford gap services, between junctions 16 and 17.
All trains running along the West coast mainline have also been stopped. All trains running along the West coast mainline had been stopped but services have now been resumed.
The M45 at its approach to the M1 is also closed. Northamptonshire Police have put a 200m cordon around the van which caught fire on the hard shoulder of the northbound carriageway.
A Northamptonshire Police spokeswoman said: "Vehicles are now queueing in both directions along the motorway while the fire service deals with the incident. The M45 at its approach to the M1 also remains closed as fire crews clean the road.
"Advice has also been given to rail operators on the West Coast main line, which runs adjacent to the M1, not to run trains along this section of the line while this incident is taking place."
Motorists are advised by police to avoid the area until at least 1700 BST.
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