Huge M6 lorry fire causes traffic chaos near Coventry

A huge motorway lorry fire caused traffic chaos near Coventry on Thursday afternoon (31 July). Drivers on the M6 [1] were stuck in huge delays after the incident on the northbound carriageway which was forced to close between J3A for Coleshill and J4 for the M42. Just before 3pm, emergency services, including police and fire crews, rushed to the scene which at one stage was causing five miles of congestion.

Drivers were being warned to expect long delays by several organisations, including nearby Birmingham airport. A Warwickshire [2] Police spokesperson said: "There is a fire on the M6 northbound near to the exit for Junction 4 (A446), which is also preventing exit from the M6 onto the M42 south. "There is significant traffic on the surrounding roads.

Please reroute accordingly. Thank you for your patience." National Highways West Midlands said: "The M6 northbound is now closed within J4 of the M42 due to the ongoing lorry fire.

Traffic is being diverted around the incident via the exit and entry slip roads. "Heavy congestion on approach, which is currently back to Corley Services. There is significant traffic on the surrounding roads.

Please reroute accordingly. Thank you for your patience." Warwickshire Fire and Rescue said: "We currently have three fire appliances and two water carriers in attendance at a lorry fire carrying hay.

There is a full closure in place from Junction 3 to 4 of the M6. Please avoid if possible." A spokesperson for BHX added: "There are multiple ongoing road incidents on the M42, M6 and A4545 near Birmingham Airport resulting in closures.

"Please plan your journey accordingly."

References

^ the M6 (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
^ Warwickshire (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
^ Lying drunk driver caught 'swerving' on M6 said he was responding to an 'emergency' (www.coventrytelegraph.net)