M1 motorway in South Yorkshire partially reopens after crane fire

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews were tackling the blaze on Friday afternoon

A stretch of the M1 motorway on the border of Derbyshire and South Yorkshire has partially reopened following a crane fire.

Both sides of the carriageway between junctions 30 and 31 were closed after the blaze started just after 13:00 GMT.

National Highways said the southbound carriageway was now fully open but the northbound carriageway remained closed.

Traffic trapped in the northbound closure had been released and a diversion route was in place.

There had been queues of traffic about four miles (6.5km) long.

Traffic has since been allowed past the scene

National Highways had previously warned of closures lasting for several hours with the southbound road reopening shortly after 16:00.

However, the northbound carriageway was to remain closed with two lanes being opened for a short time to allow motorists past the scene.

It has since been closed again to allow emergency crews to remove the crane and it is understood the road may need resurfacing.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue tweeted it had been working with Derbyshire crews to tackle the fire "as quickly as possible".

"It may take some time for you to start moving due to the sheer volume of traffic. We appreciate your ongoing patience," a spokesperson from National Highways said.