A CRANE lorry was engulfed in flames on the M1 last night (Thursday), closing the motorway for around 11 hours. The incident happened on the southbound carriageway between Junction 8 for Hemel Hempstead and the exit for St Albans at around 7.45pm. The l
A CRANE lorry was engulfed in flames on the M1 last night (Thursday), closing the motorway for around 11 hours.
The incident happened on the southbound carriageway between Junction 8 for Hemel Hempstead and the exit for St Albans at around 7.45pm.
The large crane lorry was parked on the hard-shoulder when the fire broke out and six crews of firefighters, including two from St Albans, arrived to put out the blaze and shuttle water to the scene.
The lorry contained 500 litres of diesel which spilled out across the carriageway. Firefighters left the scene at 9pm.
The driver of the lorry was checked over by paramedics but did not require any further treatment.
Police closed the motorway between the two junctions until 6.45am this morning while recovery took place.
Traffic was diverted off and away from the motorway overnight.
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