M6 in Warwickshire still partly closed by tanker fire
M6 in Warwickshire reopens after tanker fire
(about 2 hours later)
Part of the M6 in Warwickshire remains closed more than 10 hours after a chemical tanker fire.
The M6 in Warwickshire has reopened after a chemical tanker fire led to scores of motorists being stranded.
Dozens of motorists had to leave their cars after the tanker fire between junctions 3 and 3A, near Bedworth.
They had to abandon their cars to move away from fumes as firefighters tackled the blaze between junctions 3 and 3A, near Bedworth.
The Highways Agency said the southbound carriageway had reopened but the northbound stretch was still closed.
The motorway was closed in both directions with the northbound stretch remaining shut until 22:00 GMT.
A 1,000m exclusion zone put in place while the chemicals were removed has been lifted and motorists stranded by the incident have left the scene.
Ten people, including eight firefighters, were taken to hospital but all were released after treatment.
The motorway was handed back to the Highways Agency by the emergency services earlier, a spokeswoman said.
The driver of the lorry, which was carrying chemicals and paper, was among those treated after they had complained of breathing difficulties.
Resurface road
The fire started at about 09:15 GMT on Wednesday after a tyre on the tanker burst and caught light.
The removal of the fire-hit lorry was taking place on the northbound carriageway, which would have to be assessed for damage and resurfaced if needed.
Emergency services placed a 1,000m exclusion zone around the stricken lorry as a precaution.
"We hope to get at least one lane of it reopen this evening," she said.
This led to more than 100 drivers and passengers being forced to abandon their cars and walk to safety.
Hundreds of people were stranded after the motorway was shut at about 09:15 GMT and many motorists were caught up in tailbacks reaching about three miles (5km).
They then waited for news at Corley services.
Ten people, including eight firefighters, were taken to hospital but have since been released.
However, the authorities involved in tackling the incident, the Strategic Co-ordinating Group, later said in the statement: "The group is able to reiterate its assurances to the public that no risk is posed.
They were treated for breathing difficulties by ambulance crews before being taken to hospital, the ambulance service said.
"Any smouldering from the scene is a result of the burning paper and is not connected to chemicals."
Warwickshire Police said a tyre on the tanker had blown out and then caught fire on the northbound carriageway.
The closure of the motorway, just south of Birmingham, led to tailbacks of up to three miles.
Dozens of motorists and passengers had to abandon vehicles and rested at Corley Services.
'No risk'
Many of the stranded vehicles were freed after highways staff removed metal barriers on the central reservation allowing vehicles to turn around.
Many of the stranded vehicles were freed after highways staff removed metal barriers on the central reservation allowing vehicles to turn around.
The tanker had been carrying a "mix of chemicals", the Health Protection Agency said.
The priority had been to contain and remove the chemicals and "ensure that there are no hazards to public health at the scene", according to the Strategic Co-ordinating Group, led by the county's fire service.
"The group is able to reiterate its assurances to the public that no risk is posed. Any smouldering from the scene is a result of the burning paper and is not connected to chemicals," a spokesman said.
Coventry City Council ran the rest centre at Corley Services.
Simon Brake from the council said earlier they were making sure people were safe and buses were taking them along the motorway.
"We've got just over 100 people here - we keeping them warm and dry and we're helping them keep in touch with their families and we're keeping them informed about what's going," he said.
The incident was causing severe delays and motorists were advised to find alternative routes and follow diversions.
