Christmas getaway: 'Beer explodes' in M40 lorry fire

News imageMatt Taylor Eddie Stobart lorry on fireMatt Taylor
The lorry caught fire on the M40 southbound between junction 10 and junction 9

Drivers starting the Christmas getaway faced long tailbacks on the M40 when a lorry-load of beer caught fire.

It happened at about 11:30 GMT, forcing the closure of the southbound carriageway between Cherwell Valley Services and Bicester. Highways England reopened one lane southbound at about 12:40.

Witnesses said bottles of Stella were exploding in the flames.

Eddie Stobart Driver Training tweeted to say the driver was safe.

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On Twitter, Helen Smith said "Driver out but bad vehicle fire on M40. Bottles of Stella exploding! Very scary stuff."

At 16:50 Highways England said long delays are "expected to continue until later this evening".

News imageOFRS Burnt out lorryOFRS
Four fire crews were sent to extinguish the blaze
News image@TVPRP/Twitter Burnt out lorry@TVPRP/Twitter
The lorry was carrying bottles of Corona and Stella Artois