M6 traffic: Toll closed as huge coach fire sparks chaos for fans near Coleshill

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In its latest update, National Highways said: "The #M6Toll in #Warwickshire remains closed southbound between T4 (#Weeford) and T2 (#Coleshill) due to a coach fire.

"Traffic which is caught within the closure is now passing the scene of the incident.

"The road remains closed to all other traffic at this time."

Motorists and passengers in football kit have been pictured standing on motorway tarmac outside their cars as emergency services continue to tackle the coach fire.

Cars queuing up on the closed motorway stretch have shared updates on X, including photos of black smoke plumes filling the sky.

Emergency services are thought to remain at the scene, with normal conditions not expected to resume until later this afternoon.

National Highways has confirmed that three lanes on the M6 toll are still shut between T4 and T2 southbound.

"We are hoping to be able to get lane 3 open to allow traffic caught within the closure to pass the scene," it said.

"Thanks for your patience if you're held up."

Several drivers travelling to Wembley for this afternoon's Man City vs Arsenal match have shared updates of "massive delays and tailbacks" on the stretch.

Dozens of motorists have reported being caught in traffic on the M6 toll this afternoon, as thousands head to Wembley for the Man City for Arsenal match, which kicks off at 4:30pm.

National Highways has confirmed that a temporary road closure is in place, which normal conditions not expected to resume until after 1:30pm.

One driver wrote on X: "The whole road is stood still."

Another added: "Don't be travelling on M6 toll. It's shut due to a huge fire, loads of us stuck."

Footage of the incident shows people gathering on a grassy mound near the burning coach, watching the smoke rise.

Traffic has been brought to a standstill on the M6 toll while efforts to get the fire under control continue.

In a post on X, National Highways West Midlands said: "Traffic has been STOPPED on the #M6Toll southbound between T3 and T2 due to a coach fire. Emergency services are in attendance. Thanks for your patience if you're held up."

Football fans heading to the Manchester City vs Arsenal match at Wembley this afternoon have been warned of significant delays on the M6 toll.

The coach itself was believed to have been en-route to the London stadium before the fire broke out, The Mirror reports.

Dramatic images shared on X show the coach in flames on the M6, with its back end completely engulfed in fire and thick black smoke.

National Highways said: "West Midlands has confirmed in a post on X that the M6 Toll in Warwickshire is currently closed across all lanes between T4 (Weeford) and T2 (Coleshill) due to a coach fire."