Lorry loaded with lithium batteries bursts into flames on M6 causing extensive delays

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A lorry loaded with lithium ion batteries burst into flames on the M6 on Thursday afternoon causing "extensive" delays.

The M6 Northbound had to be closed at around 1pm between Junction 15 for Stoke and Junction 16 for Crewe due to the fire.

Lanes two and three had reopened shortly after 2pm but significant delays are still expected, with drivers warned to allow more time for journeys.

A spokesperson for National Highways West Midlands said: "Lanes 2 and 3 are now open on the M6 northbound between Junction 15 in Stoke and Junction 16 in Crewe due to the fire.

"Lane 1 remains closed. Thank you for your patience."

The agency's travel updates showed queues reaching back to Junction 13 for Stafford with delays of around 50 minutes expected. Travel conditions weren't expected to return to normal until 4.30pm.

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