M1 reopens in Leicestershire after car fire closure
- Published
Motorists were advised to avoid the area
A section of the M1 in Leicestershire has reopened in both directions following a car fire.
At 18:10 BST, Leicestershire Police said the road was being closed between junctions 21 for Leicester and 20 near Lutterworth.
National Highways warned of delays of up to 45 minutes and motorists were advised to avoid the area.
It followed an earlier crash between junctions 21A and 21 that had already caused delays during evening rush hour.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said the car - on the southbound carriageway - was allowed to "burn under the control and supervision" of firefighters.
National Highways said the northbound carriageway reopened at about 19:30 BST.
The southbound carriageway reopened just over an hour later.
Traffic heading south had already encountered delays of up to one hour following the crash that caused two lanes to close between junctions 21A and 21.
Monday evening's disruption came as football fans from across the East Midlands travelled to Leicester for the Premier League match between Leicester City and local rivals Nottingham Forest.
Follow 91Èȱ¬ East Midlands on , on , or on . Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk, external.