A JACK-KNIFED lorry has caused “severe” delays and the stoppage of the northbound M5 close to the M42 junction.
The incident took place this afternoon between junction 5 (Droitwich/Wychbold) and junction 4A (M42).
It led to the closure of all northbound lanes and long delays back to Worcester as emergency crews worked at the scene.
The heavy goods vehicle’s fuel tank was split, spilling diesel across all lanes and requiring specialist cleaning resources to be called in.
AA Roadwatch said: “Road closed and severe delays due to jack-knifed truck and fuel spillage on M5 northbound between J5 A38 (Droitwich/Wychbold) and J4A M42.
“Congestion to just after J7 (Worcester/Evesham), with the opposite side back to J4 (Bromsgrove/Stourbridge).”
Delays of nearly an hour were reported.
Images from the scene showed the lorry sprawled across the carriageway.
A motorist who passed by on the southbound side at around 3.30pm said: “The tailback was only about two miles at the time but I think it’s greater now.
“I didn’t see the incident but went past before the police arrived.
“The traffic was already heavy but got worse due to rubber-necking.”
READ MORE: Cheeky shed advert above the M5 ‘hiding speed camera’
No details have yet been released about any injuries or the condition of the driver.
In an update, National Highways said: “All vehicles caught within the closure have now been released past the scene.
“Recovery of the involved vehicle is well underway, and an initial inspection of the carriageway is being carried out to assess the damage.”
