London: A major fire closed the M1 in North London during rush-hour causing long tailbacks, train cancellations as passengers struggled to get to Luton Airport.
Drivers were told to expect huge delays as the motorway is closed in both directions between Junctions 1 and 2 (northbound) and 4 and 1 (southbound).
Trains have been cancelled due to poor visibility on the tracks, leaving many people worried about catching their flights from Luton Airport.
Twelve fire engines and around 80 firefighters and officers have been called to the large fire at a builders’ merchant in Brent Park Road, in Brent Cross.
Drivers are being advised to allow extra time and consider alternative routes and a diversion has been put into place.
Highways England expected the congestion to clear between 6.30pm and 6.45pm this evening, but motorists are still advised to avoid the area.
The train line between Hendon and Cricklewood is affected by the fire, impacting on East Midlands and Thameslink train services.
Station Manager Claiton Murray who is at the scene said: ‘This is a large, challenging fire and crews are working extremely hard to bring it under control as quickly as possible.
‘Around three quarters of the workshop is alight. The fire is producing a considerable amount of smoke so we are advising people living and working in the area to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution.’ The fire service control officers have taken more than 20 calls about the fire.
Crews from Hendon, Stanmore, West Hampstead, Hornsey, Wembley, North Kensington, Willesden and Barnet fire stations are at the scene. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
