M6 closed: Heavy traffic as southbound shut near Birmingham after ‘severe’ lorry fire
THE M6 southbound motorway has been closed between junction 5 and 6 near Birmingham after a lorry caught fire.
West Midlands Fire Service are currently on scene and are advising the public to avoid the area. In a statement on Twitter, the force said: “West Midlands fire service are currently dealing with a severe fire on the M6 South between junctions 6 & 5.
“Please avoid the area if you can due to heavy traffic and on scene emergency services.
Later posting an image and an update, the force said: “M6 south currently blocked between junctions 6 & 5 due to LGV fire. Please avoid the area if you can.”
The incident is believed to have occurred just before midnight.
At 12.01am Highways England announced the closure of the road and advised travellers to “allow extra time for their journeys”.
West Midlands fire service are currently dealing with a severe fire on the M6 South between junctions 6 & 5. Please avoid the area if you can due to heavy traffic and on scene emergency services.
— West Midlands Fire Service (@WestMidsFire) August 10, 2021
The #M6 southbound is now closed between J6 and J5 following the HGV fire. Road users are advised to allow extra time for their journeys. For more information, including the diversion route, please follow this link https://t.co/We6bV7SfLe
— Highways England (@HighwaysWMIDS) August 9, 2021
On Twitter, it said lanes one and two of the motorway had been closed and urged road users to follow triangle diversion signs.
Information about diversion routes can be found on the Highways England website.
This morning, Highways England told Birmingham Live, clearing work was still ongoing as it was discovered the lorry was carrying hazardous materials.
They said: “The vehicle's load included hazardous materials and specialists are currently working to clear this.
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“A road surface inspector is at the scene to assess any damage to the road surface and also a structural engineer to assess surrounding infrastructure once recovery has been completed.”