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M6 closed in Warwickshire after chemical tanker fire | M6 closed in Warwickshire after chemical tanker fire |
(35 minutes later) | |
Motorists have been forced to leave their vehicles after a chemical tanker caught fire on the M6 in Warwickshire. | |
The motorway has been closed in both directions between junctions two and four, the Highways Agency said. | |
Drivers close to the tanker, which caught fire between junctions three and 3A, were evacuated from their cars and an 800m exclusion zone is in place. | |
Ambulance crews are treating 10 people with breathing difficulties. One is understood to be the tanker driver. | |
Warwickshire Police said the tanker had suffered a tyre blow out and then caught fire. | |
'Massive tailback' | |
A force spokeswoman said: "Due to the motorway being closed there is a massive tailback of traffic and we are currently advising people to stay away from the area. | |
"Fire service are in attendance at the moment at the vehicle and it looks like it could be quite a long job. | |
"The fire is in a rural area, with few houses. Residents are being advised to stay indoors and close their windows." | |
Warwickshire cricketer Darren Maddy said he was stuck on the southbound carriageway for some time. | Warwickshire cricketer Darren Maddy said he was stuck on the southbound carriageway for some time. |
He said: "I can't see a great deal other than a big queue of cars. | He said: "I can't see a great deal other than a big queue of cars. |
"There's been a lot of fire engines and ambulances and police cars. | "There's been a lot of fire engines and ambulances and police cars. |
"The northbound section of the motorway is completely empty. | "The northbound section of the motorway is completely empty. |
"We're aware it's something very serious. Other than that it's very frustrating." | "We're aware it's something very serious. Other than that it's very frustrating." |
Another eyewitness said people were leaving their cars on the carriageway and walking up the slip roads to Corley Services. | Another eyewitness said people were leaving their cars on the carriageway and walking up the slip roads to Corley Services. |
The Highways Agency advised northbound traffic to come off at junction two and use the A46 southbound, A45 and then A452 in order to rejoin the motorway at junction four. | The Highways Agency advised northbound traffic to come off at junction two and use the A46 southbound, A45 and then A452 in order to rejoin the motorway at junction four. |