Motorway closed ahead of rush hour as firefighters tackle van blaze

More than ten emergency calls were made into the HIWFRS Control Room shortly after 6am reporting a van fire on the M3.

Crews from Winchester, Eastleigh and Redbridge were alerted to the vehicle which was well alight on the southbound carriageway.

With severe smoke drifting across the road, the carriageway was shut as HIWFRS crews treated the driver of the van for minor injuries with paramedics not required to attend.

Firefighters in breathing apparatus used hose reels to extinguish the blaze which destroyed the van.

The Environment Agency were informed due to a fuel leak, with Highways teams inspecting the scene, checking for damage to the road surface.

Crews remained to dampen down before beginning to leave the scene following the stop message at 7:25.