THE M11 has been closed in both directions due to a vehicle fire.
Both sides of the motorway have been closed between junctions 8, for Stansted Airport, and junction 9, for the A11, whilst emergency services are at the scene.
Drivers have been told to avoid the area if possible.
A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We are currently on the scene of a vehicle fire on the M11.
"Officers will be closing the M11 on both carriageways between Junctions 8 and 9 and the on-slip for the A11.
"Please seek another route if you can.
"We will update you as soon as we are able."
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M11 Both Directions - ALL TRAFFIC BEING HELD due to a lorry fire between J8 (Stansted/A120) and J9 (A11). Long Delays.
— Essex Travel News (@Essex_Travel) July 14, 2021
Update 6.35pm:
Essex Fire Service says the fire has now been extinguished.
However, the road will remain closed into this evening so the debris can be cleared.
Station Manager Dave Bond said: "The articulated lorry was carrying aerosol cans which exploded and scattered across both side of the carriageway. Thankfully the driver was not badly hurt.
"I must praise crews who worked extremely hard to establish a water supply in such a remote location and quickly get the incident under control.
"Unfortunately, the road will be closed for some time due to the extent of the fire."
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