ONE lane was closed on the M3 at Basingstoke on Thursday afternoon (May 19) after a vehicle fire in the hard shoulder.

One lane was blocked southbound between Junctions 5 and 6 while emergency services attended the scene.

In a shortly before 2.30pm, AA Traffic News wrote: "One lane closed due to vehicle fire on M3 Southbound from J5 A287 (Hook) to J6 (Basingstoke)."

The incident caused significant queueing along the stretch of motorway, with approximately three miles of congestion and 25 minute delays reported.

READ MORE: Recap: All lanes reopen on M3 southbound at Basingstoke after closure due to vehicle fire

A spokesperson from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters from Basingstoke and Rushmoor are on the scene of a vehicle fire on the M3 southbound carriageway between junctions 5 and 6.

"HIWFRS Control Room operators received around 11 calls reporting this incident shortly after 3pm.

"The car involved was initially on a vehicle transporter, but was quickly removed from the transporter, which remains unaffected in the fire.

"Firefighters arrived to find the vehicle on the hard shoulder and well-alight, before they began tackling the blaze using hose reels and wearing breathing apparatus sets.

"Further fire engines from Basingstoke and Andover were stood down before they arrived."

The Gazette has contacted Hampshire Constabulary for comment.

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