A lorry fire on the M6 near Birmingham caused severe delays during Friday rush hour, with two lanes closed and queues stretching five miles. The blaze broke out on the northbound carriageway between junctions 4A and 5, near Birmingham Airport.
Fire and road damage
The HGV was engulfed in flames and appeared destroyed, but no injuries were reported. National Highways said the road surface was damaged and would need emergency resurfacing later this evening.
Two of four lanes remained closed as of 5:14pm, with delays of around 50 minutes on approach. Congestion was reported to be backing up for five miles.
Airport warning and other incidents
Birmingham Airport advised passengers to allow extra time when travelling to or from the airport due to the disruption.
Separately, a serious crash on the M40 northbound in Oxfordshire caused delays of over two hours at its peak. The road was closed between junction 10 near Ardley and junction 11 near Banbury after a collision shortly after 11:30am. National Highways said all traffic caught within the closure had been released, and the road has since reopened with residual delays.
