Car gutted in M5 fire as blaze causes long delays near West Bromwich
The occupants of a car had a lucky escape on Friday morning when it burst into flames on the M5.
Two lanes of the southbound carriageway between the interchange with the M6 and Junction 1 for West Bromwich were closed to traffic while firefighters tackled the blaze.
Three crews from West Bromwich, Smethwick and Handsworth were called out at around 7.10am.
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "Crews from Handsworth, Smethwick and West Bromwich attended and found a severe car fire which the occupants had thankfully managed to get out of.
"To allow our crews to safely tackle the fire, Highways England closed lanes 1 and 2 of the M5 between the M5/M6 junction and junction 1 of the M5.
"Using hose reel jets, breathing apparatus and thermal imaging, we were able to extinguish the fire and were on scene until 9.26am to cool any hot spots on the vehicle.
"We apologise for delays caused by the incident and hope people appreciate these were necessary to keep other drivers safe."
National Highways warned motorists on Twitter: "Delays are building back onto the M6 in both directions. Please allow extra time if travelling in the area this morning."
In an update issued at around 8.30am the agency confirmed that all three lanes were open again, but warned of significant delays.
"There are 5.5 miles of congestion back onto the M6 southbound following this incident. There is also two miles residual congestion on M6 northbound," the update said.
