National Highways closed a lane on the M40 between High Wycombe and Stokenchurch after a car fire – causing heavy traffic along the stretch.

The incident happened at around 3:40pm yesterday, Wednesday, September 11, with fire services rushing to the motorway just outside High Wycombe to close a lane while a removal operation got underway.

A car had burst into flames on the northbound route from the Handy Cross roundabout to junction 5 near Stokenchurch – with traffic tracker INRIX still reporting heavy queues around an hour later at 4:30pm.

Three fire engines and crews were dispatched to the scene, from bases in High Wycombe, Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross respectively.

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Services found the car “well alight” upon arrival and used a set of breathing apparatus, a hose reel and a small gear to assist the removal.

The car fire was reportedly cleared by 7pm.