Drivers evacuated from popular motorway service station after lorry leaks 'chemical substance'

It reported that a lorry was leaking a chemical substance, prompting the fire service to install a 50-metre cordon to prevent anyone from getting close.

Motorists and passengers who were in and around the area of the service station have been evacuated.

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Because of high traffic levels, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue is asking all motorists to avoid using or travelling to the service station.

The services are at the intersection between the M18 and the M180, with many drivers frequenting the area every day.

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue told GB News: "We were called at 10.05am to the chemical leak at Doncaster North Services on the M18, Junction 5.

"Several fire crews attended the incident. A 50m cordon was put in place around the lorry tanker.

"Specialist personnel are now on the scene decanting the remainder of the chemical safely. This process should take another hour or two.

"We are asking people to avoid the area as a precaution and to allow the emergency services to do their jobs."

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have not yet commented on what the chemical substance is.

Traffic cameras near the area show traffic building up from the south near the A1146.

The incident comes as drivers deal with poor traffic conditions on nearby roads along the A1M southbound between J41 and J40.

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National Highways states that normal traffic conditions are expected to return between 2pm and 2.15pm later today, with congestion still present in the area.