M6 fire: Huge blaze engulfs motorway amid reports of 'multiple explosions' heard

A huge lorry fire broke out following "multiple explosions" that were heard on the M6 motorway forcing its closure southbound in the West Midlands.

There have been long tailbacks between junctions 2 and 3 on the M6 and motorists are being told to avoid the area where possible and allow extra time for their journeys.

Emergency services are at the scene and three fire appliances took several hours to put out the blaze with the motorway forced to close.

National Highways Traffic Officers are still in attendance with lanes one and two still closed but three and four now open.

CCTV images on the approach to the incident showed a large build-up of traffic during the early hours of the morning.

Firefighters are tacking a ferocious blaze on the motorway (National Highways: West Midlands)

Many people in the area took to social media to enquire what was the noise after hearing "explosions".

National Highways' latest tweet said that the fire has now been put out two lanes are open.

"Lanes 3 and 4 are now open on the #M6 southbound between J3 #Coventry and J2 #M69 following an earlier vehicle fire. Lanes 1 and 2 remain closed while work continues at the scene," it tweeted at 6.30am.

A huge fire has broken out on the M6 in the West Midlands (Twitter)

Earlier it had said: "The M6 southbound remains closed between J3 (#Coventry) and J2 (#M69) due to a vehicle fire. Fire crews have now extinguished the blaze however the carriageway is being assessed to see if the road surface requires resurfacing. Please allow extra travel time if in the area."

Before that police needed to "release" traffic that was at the back of the queue.

Huge plumes of orange flames can be seen coming from the scene (Coventry Telegraph/ Lyndsey Anna Stockley)

"Fire crews are working at scene to extinguish the blaze. If you are caught within the closure we will be releasing traffic via the rear of the queue. Please remain in your vehicle and await instruction," it tweeted.

"Delays are beginning to build on approach. Please avoid the area if possible and allow extra journey time."

And Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service said that it was a heavy goods vehicle on fire with three appliances at the scene.

There are long tailbacks on the motorway (National Highway)

It tweeted: "One heavy goods vehicle well alight between Junctions 3 and 2 on the M6. Three fire appliances and a water carrier in attendance."

Many initially commented over the sound of the "explosions" on social media with one person tweeting: "Anyone else just hear 4 loud explosions/sonic boom type bangs in Coventry? Hearing plenty of police, ambulance or fire engine sirens now too."

Another person wrote: "Yes! I'm in Holbrooks and I heard it."