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Lorry blaze closes section of M1 in Derbyshire Lorry blaze closes section of M1 in Derbyshire
(about 1 hour later)
A lorry fire has closed the M1 between junctions 28 and 29 in Derbyshire. The M1 was brought to a standstill after a lorry carrying batteries caught fire on a stretch of the motorway in Derbyshire.
Motorist Graham Tomlinson said he saw a lot of "black smoke" and "fireballs" coming from the HGV.Motorist Graham Tomlinson said he saw a lot of "black smoke" and "fireballs" coming from the HGV.
Cars on the southbound carriageway had to be evacuated and a 500m (1,640ft) cordon was set up as a precaution because the vehicle was loaded with batteries. Cars were evacuated and a 500m (1,640ft) cordon was set up.
Drivers have been warned by police to avoid the area between South Normanton and Chesterfield. Two southbound lanes between junctions 28 and 29, for South Normanton and Chesterfield, have since reopened but drivers are advised to avoid the area.
Mr Tomlinson, who is stuck in traffic near the scene, said: "There were fireballs coming from the lorry and shooting across the carriageway. Derbyshire Police said it was trying to get people moving as quickly as possible.
Mr Tomlinson, who was stuck in traffic near the scene, said: "There were fireballs coming from the lorry and shooting across the carriageway.
"[It] was a bit daunting I would imagine if you were near the front.""[It] was a bit daunting I would imagine if you were near the front."