Bank holiday traffic chaos after gas tanker bursts into flames on the M4 near Bath
A burning lorry brought the motorway to a standstill
A lorry carrying compressed gas caught fire on the M4 causing long delays
Traffic was brought to a halt today (April 14) on the M4 near Bath after a gas tanker caught fire on the motorway.
Easter travellers were stuck on the motorway after police closed the carriageways in both directions between junction 17 (Chippenham) and junction 18 (Bath).
This was to help emergency services reach the BOC tanker carrying liquefied argon, which caught alight at around 12.30pm.
Six fire crews were called to the scene, as well as two specialist foam units.
The westbound carriageway was opened by 1.45pm, but queues had built up for miles in both directions.
Queues built up for miles either side of the fire (Image: Highways England)
The eastbound carriageway was opened in stages, starting at 2.24pm.
Stuart Matthews, group manager at Avon Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The fire was in the cab of the articulated unit which is carrying liquefied argon.
"The fire in the cab is out and the integrity of the tanker is intact and we'll monitor the situation."
Motorists got out of their vehicles to watch the flames (Image: Marie Lippiatt)
Delays were so severe that motorists got out of their vehicles to watch the emergency services at work.
There have been no reports of any injuries.