Christmas getaway: 'Beer explodes' in M40 lorry fire Published duration 22 December 2017

image copyright Matt Taylor image caption 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.

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".

image copyright OFRS image caption Four fire crews were sent to extinguish the blaze

image copyright @TVPRP/Twitter image caption The lorry was carrying bottles of Corona and Stella Artois

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