M5 bike fire in Worcester - Rider's shock as flames engulf motorbike

Bike enthusiast, Paul Faulkner, said the thought of what could have happened made him feel sick after his bike caught fire on the northbound carriageway between junctions seven (Evesham) and six (Worcester). 

He was stuck in stationary traffic when he said he felt something warm travelling up his leg.

Unknowing to Mr Faulkner, he was sitting on a motorbike on fire and spitting out petrol.

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LUCKY ESCAPE: The motorbike was in lane three on the M5 (Image: Paul Faulkner)

Mr Faulkner said he managed to get off the bike safely with no injuries but said it could have been a very different story.

"When playing the scenario in my head, if I had been going even 10mph and sat on the bike spitting out fuel that would have gone in my jeans and I would be on fire," he said.

"It is a bit scary looking back.

"I was really, really lucky we were stationary otherwise, I would be petrol soaked, my jeans on fire."

The software engineer was initially commuting from his home in Reading to get to a meeting in Stourbridge.

Mr Faulkner has thanked everyone who helped on the day (Image: Paul Faulkner)

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In total, he lost around £3,000 in camping gear and bike damages. 

"I was on the phone to the fire crew with my life in flames, and I looked over and saw cars driving past, taking videos.

"That made me feel a bit thick - them just gawping at me and driving slowly next to the motorbike.

"Just filming, gawping, like a music video. 

"It was so surreal."

By the time the fire crew arrived, Mr Faulkner said the bike was so damaged it did not look like a motorbike anymore.

REMAINS: What was left of the motorbike (Image: Paul Faulkner)

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was advising drivers to "avoid the area if possible" after the incident, which took place on Wednesday (March 15) at 11.24am.

Traffic was slow-moving following a death on the M5 unrelated to the motorbike fire.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Two crews from Worcester Fire Station attended to find a burnt-out motorbike in lane three.

"The rider had been reported as safe."

Mr Faulkner said his motorbike is his escape, and losing his bike and camping gear, which took him over ten years to collect, has really affected his mental health. 

However, the experience has not put him off, and he hopes to be back on a motorbike soon.