Huge delays after M6 closed in both directions following lorry fire

Huge delays are building on the M6 after it was closed in both directions following a lorry fire. The blaze has taken place on northbound carriageway[1] near Junction 13, Stafford, resulting in its closure. However, the southbound carriageway[2] was also shut down due to smoke drifting across to the other side.

Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp[4], click the link to join National Highways said traffic has been held between Junction 12, Gailey, and Junction 13[5] while emergency services attend the scene. Motorway[6] cameras showed four lines of traffic halted as smoke drifted across the motorway.

A fire engine was also pictured alongside emergency workers in high-vis clothing. National Highways issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), writing: "Traffic is held by police on the M6 northbound in the West Midlands between J12 Gailey and J13 Stafford. "This is due to a lorry fire thatwas fully ablaze.

"West Midlands fire service are en route with National Highways traffic officers en route to support with traffic management." A spokesperson for the agency also tweeted to say the southbound carriageway was being held due to "smoke drifting across to carriageway". However in an updated post, a spokesperson said: "Traffic remains held on the M6 northbound in the Staffordshire between J12 Gailey and J13 Stafford.

"The southbound has been released after West Midlands Fire service have successfully brought the fire under control. "There are 30 minute delays northbound." Traffic monitoring service Inrix added: "M6 Northbound blocked, severe delays due to earlier lorry fire from J12 A5 Watling Street (Gailey) to J13 A449 (Stafford South).

"Congestion to the opposite side.

The A449 through Penkridge and the A5 around Gailey as traffic seeks an alternative."

References

1. ^ carriageway (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
2. ^ carriageway (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
3. ^ Man found with life-threatening injuries on train tracks in Smethwick (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
4. ^ BirminghamLive WhatsApp (chat.whatsapp.com)
5. ^ Junction 12, Gailey, and Junction 13 (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
6. ^ Motorway (www.birminghammail.co.uk)