A major emergency unfolded on one of Britain's busiest motorways this afternoon after a car burst into flames, forcing a complete shutdown of the M6 and sparking travel chaos for thousands of motorists.
The dramatic incident occurred on the southbound carriageway between junction 18 for Holmes Chapel and Middlewich and junction 19 for Knutsford in Cheshire. Emergency services rushed to the scene following multiple reports of a vehicle completely engulfed in fire.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they deployed multiple fire engines to tackle the blaze, working urgently to bring the situation under control and ensure the safety of other road users.
The severity of the incident prompted National Highways to implement a full closure of the southbound carriageway. The shutdown created a scene of gridlock across the region, with traffic officers diverting vehicles off the motorway at junction 18.
Travel Chaos and Lengthy Delays
Motorists faced severe disruption as the closure remained in effect during a busy travel period. Official estimates suggested delays of at least 90 minutes against expected journey times, with congestion stretching back for miles.
National Highways North West issued urgent advice to drivers, stating: 'If this closure impacts your journey, please allow extra travel time. Consider alternative routes if possible.'
The recommended diversion route instructed drivers to exit the M6 at junction 18, follow the A54 to Pickmere, then take the A559 to rejoin the M6 at junction 19.
Ongoing Investigation and Cleanup
Once the fire was successfully extinguished, recovery and cleanup operations began. Crews worked to remove the damaged vehicle and assess any potential damage to the road surface before reopening the carriageway to traffic.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by authorities. There has been no immediate confirmation regarding possible injuries or the exact circumstances that led to the vehicle igniting.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a vehicle fire can escalate into a major emergency, disrupting critical transport infrastructure and causing widespread travel chaos across the North West's road network.
