Drivers face severe delays on the M6 in Merseyside after a huge lorry fire this morning.
The motorway was closed northbound near Warrington and Newton-le-Willows after a lorry caught on fire.
Traffic came to a standstill after the blaze between junction J22 (Warrington) and J23 (Southport/Greater Manchester) in the early hours of the morning.
Footage shows the lorry going up in flames on the side of the road. It appears to be fully burned through by the raging flames.
The lorry driver managed to escape unhurt as no injuries were reported, the police told Metro.
Motorists should expect severe delays in the area, while a detour has been put in place on nearby roads.
Two lanes reopened on the northbound carriageway at midday, while two lanes remain closed for recovery and repairs.
A full closure will take place overnight for emergency resurfacing.
National Highways urged drivers to ‘allow extra journey time.’
The incident was first reported at about 2.30am today after the lorry bust into flames.
Firefighters from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, and police and traffic officers rushed to the scene due to ‘a substantial lorry fire.’
At first, the southbound carriageway was also closed due to heavy, drifting smoke.
The M6 southbound has since reopened.
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