M40 closed following car fire between Junction 3 and Junction 4

The M40 is closed in both directions between Junction 3 (Loudwater) and Junction 4 (Handy Cross) following a car fire.

Emergency services are on the scene following the accident and car fire on the northbound carriageway.

The Highways Agency is reporting that a car overturned and caught alight at about 7.20pm.

A road closure was put in place on the northbound carriageway following the accident, and the London bound carriageway closed shortly after.

Highways Agency have confirmed that the M40 is still closed in both directions as of 8.40pm, northbound J2 - J4 and southbound J4 - J3.

Thames Valley Police are leading the incident.

Unconfirmed reports are that the motorway will not be re-opened until 6am tomorrow morning.

Highways Agency issued the following advice at 9.30pm.

Traffic is diverted Southbound via the A404 and A40, following the soild triangle.

Traffic is diverted northbound, via the A355, A40 and A404, following the hollow square.  

Traffic approaching on the M25 clockwise wishing to travel to Oxford and the West Midlands is advised to exit the M25 at J15 and use the M4 westbound and A404(M) northbound to join the M40 northbound at J4.

Traffic approaching on the M6 and M42 from the North West and West Midlands wishing to travel to London is advised to use the M6 and M1.

Last updated on: 25/01/2015 21:32