M5 traffic stopped after vehicle bursts into flames near Bristol - live updates There is queuing traffic on the northbound carriageway Highways England has shared this image of the burning vehicle on the M5 This afternoon Highways England has shared this dramatic image of the burning vehicle which has closed the M5 near Bristol. All traffic is being held following the incident on the northbound carriageway, near Thornbury this afternoon (Sunday, March 7). The image shows thick smoke billowing into the air over the motorway near junction 14. The incident was first reported at 1.2pm by traffic data provider, Inrix. Inrix states: All traffic being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to car fire on M5 northbound.