M1 motorway fire – arson suspected
A fire investigation has revealed that the M1 scrapyard fire was arson.
The fire started at around 4.15pm on Friday 15th April, in Ellesmere Avenue and resulted in an 11km stretch of the M1 being closed for days.
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade has confirmed that their findings have now ‘been handed to the Met for investigation’.
Nobody was injured in the fire but substantial damage was caused and motorists still face severe motorway disruption well into the Easter Weekend.
The Highways Agency has reported that construction work is underway but urges motorists to consider alternative routes to avoid ‘continued congestion’.
Ministers have requested an audit of railways and roads which are at risk of industrial accidents and an investigation will also be carried out into the storage of gas canisters at Apex Metals.