M6 closed: Major blaze engulfs HGV as drivers told to avoid area with delays 'rapidly building'
National Highways photograhed the blaze
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Part of the M6 near Coventry has been closed following a vehicle fire.
National Highways confirmed the M6 (Northbound) within J2 was has been closed.
The section will likely remain closed into the evening.
Traffic is expected to resume at around 6.15pm tonight but this could be amended at any point.
National Highways photographed the blaze
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
A fire engulfed a HGV lorry at around 3.40pm today.
Images from the scene showed the front of the vehicle engulfed in flames, with smoke billowing into the air.
Drivers have been urged to avoid the busy route this afternoon.
Personnel from Warwickshire Police and Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service have arrived at the scene.
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An image of the incident
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
A spokesman for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews from Nuneaton, Coleshill and Water Bowser from Coleshill attending lorry fire on M6."
In a separate social media post, National Highways wrote: "M6 northbound within J2 (M69, A46, Coventry) Warwickshire.
"ROAD CLOSED. Vehicle fire. Warwickshire Fire & Rescue, OPU Warwickshire and our officers are en-route. Delays rapidly building in both directions."
A post on traffic and travel website Inrix also said: "Long delays and two lanes closed due to vehicle fire on M6 Northbound at J2 M69 (Coventry)."
An image of the incident on the M6
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
In a subsequent update, National Highways confirmed firefighters were still tackling the blaze.
The post said: "M6 north within J2 (M69, A46, Coventry) Warwickshire.
"ROAD CLOSED. Fire service are damping down a lorry which was transporting hay that caught fire.
"This'll take time as the load is highly combustible and keeps reigniting. Traffic diverted via J2. 45 min delay."