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The M6 in Birmingham was shut for more than two hours after a van fire and a significant diesel spill

The M6 interchange at Gravelly Hill in Birmingham, where drivers caught inside the closure were released via lane four before the partial reopening.
The M6 interchange at Gravelly Hill in Birmingham, where drivers caught inside the closure were released via lane four before the partial reopening.

The southbound carriageway between Junction 6 at Gravelly Hill Interchange and Junction 5 near Castle Bromwich was closed at 4pm on Saturday after a single van caught fire and left diesel across the road surface. National Highways confirmed no injuries were reported and the route fully reopened by around 7:30pm. Emergency services and contractors attended to treat the carriageway and recover the vehicle.

At the incident's peak, queues stretched back far enough to add an hour to journey times, with two of four lanes reopened by 6:30pm.

Motorists were diverted via the A5127 southbound, B4137 eastbound and A47 Heartlands Parkway to rejoin the M6 at Junction 5.

National Highways said it was called to the scene at 3:35pm and confirmed only one vehicle was involved.

MoreBBC News - EnglandM6 motorway shut in Birmingham after van fire and diesel spillThe SunMajor motorway shut after van fire & fuel spillage as drivers face huge delaysYahoo News CanadaM6 motorway shut after van fire and diesel spillExpress & StarM6 closed southbound in West Midlands after van fire and 'significant' diesel spillageManchester Evening NewsM6 closed near Birmingham due to vehicle fire with long traffic delays reported - Manchester Evening News
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