Hampshire traffic: Van "destroyed" in fire on M3 between Winchester and Chandler’s Ford - route reopened

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) said more than ten crews were deployed to the M3 between Winchester and Chandler’s Ford after 6am. The motorway had to be shut due to “severe” smoke drifting across the route.

“Crews from Winchester, Eastleigh and Redbridge were alerted to the vehicle which was well alight on the southbound carriageway,” the HIWFRS spokesman said. “With severe smoke drifting across the road, the carriageway was shut as HIWFRS crews treated the driver of the van for minor injuries with paramedics not required to attend.

NOW READ: Severe congestion in and near Portsmouth following two incidents

"Firefighters in breathing apparatus used hose reels to extinguish the blaze which destroyed the van. The Environment Agency were informed due to a fuel leak, with Highways teams inspecting the scene, checking for damage to the road surface. Crews remained to dampen down before beginning to leave the scene following the stop message at 7.25pm.”

National Highways South East reported on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the route has now been reopened. One lane remains closed while the emergency services work at the scene.

Live traffic updates are available at the bottom of this article. Information will come from National Highways, AA’s Traffic map, Hampshire County Council’s ROMANSE account, Portsmouth City Council’s Portsmouth Roads account and one.network.

Information related to the railways will be circulated from Network Rail, Southern Rail, South Western Railway or Great Western Railway.

If you spotted any crashes or disruptions feel free to let us know – but don’t contact us while you are driving.