The motorway was partially closed during rush hour
A dramatic video shows the moment a car was engulfed by flames at an M32 junction in Bristol this evening.
A car fire broke out on a slip road of the motorway near St Pauls shortly after 5pm tonight (Wednesday, November 26).. Thick plumes of smoke could be seen billowing into the sky as the blaze took hold during evening rush hour.
Firefighters attended the scene and drivers were urged to avoid the area as traffic became gridlocked on the motorway and surrounding roads.
One witness who was among the first to notice the fire described calling emergency services for help.
In a video shared with BristolLive, flames can be seen burning from the bonnet of the vehicle as other motorists flashed their hazard lights. The fire happened at the traffic lights at the Junction 3 roundabout.
At the time of the fire there were huge queues on the M32 as well as neighbouring roads as motorists tried to divert.
Travel West said at the time on X: “M32 Exit Slip Inbound at Junction 3 by Millpond Street is closed due to a Fire Emergency. Plan Ahead. Use alternative Routes and Expect Long Delays.”
Roads and traffic monitoring site Inrix reported at 7.14pm that traffic was easing and the slip road had reopened. It advised: “Recovery work completed and earlier vehicle fire on M32 Southbound at J3 A4320 Easton Way (St Pauls). Previous congestion to J1 (Hambrook).”
The cause of the fire is not known at this stage. Avon Fire and Rescue has been contacted for further information.