M6 fire: 'Significant traffic' as hay lorry bursts into flames on motorway near Birmingham Airport
Traffic is being turned around on the M6 following a lorry fire near Birmingham Airport.
The northbound M6 has been closed between Junction 4 (for the M42) and Junction 3A, near Birmingham Airport, after a lorry carrying hay burst into flames on the route at around 3.35pm.
Traffic is being turned away from the route, with National Highways West Midlands warning of 'heavy congestion' on approach.
On X, National Highways West Midlands said: "Traffic has been stopped on the M6 northbound between J3A (Coleshill) and J4 (M42) due to a lorry fire.
"There is currently approximately five miles of congestion on approach, causing delays of 45 minutes above usual journey times."
The organisation later warned that traffic was being diverted via the exit and entry slip roads.
A spokesperson said: "Traffic is being diverted around the incident via the exit and entry slip roads.
"Heavy congestion on approach, which is currently back to Corley Services. Allow extra journey time this afternoon."
Birmingham Airport warned travellers to 'plan ahead' due to the blaze, warning of 'multiple incidents' near the airport.
On X, Birmingham Airport said: "There are multiple ongoing road incidents on the M42, M6 and A4545 near Birmingham Airport resulting in closures.
"Please plan your journey accordingly."
A picture of the fire shows Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service tackling the blaze in the hay lorry, with Warwickshire Police and National Highways officers working at the scene.
A Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We currently have three fire appliances and two water carriers in attendance at a lorry fire carrying hay.
"There is a full closure in place from Junction 3 to 4 of the M6. Please avoid if possible."
Warwickshire Police also warned of 'significant delays' around the route, warning people to 'plan accordingly'.
The police said: "There is a fire on the M6 north near the exit for Junction 4 (A446), which is also preventing exit from the M6 onto the M42 south.
"There is significant traffic on the surrounding roads. Please reroute accordingly."
