Bus fire causes traffic tailbacks on A460

Frustrated motorists were stuck in queues after a severe bus fire in Cannock closed off a busy dual carriageway in both directions.

An 800 yard stretch of the A460, between junction 11 of the M6 and the M6 Toll Road, was completely closed following the blaze just after 1pm yesterday.

The westbound carriageway towards Cannock was blocked for almost three hours while emergency services worked at the scene.

Police also closed the eastbound side for around an hour due to drifting smoke.

Traffic was forced to queue on the northbound slip road of the M6 throughout the hold-up. The Arriva bus, which was not in service, was heading towards the company's

Cannock depot with maintenance problems after being driven up the motorway from Birmingham when the driver noticed smoke coming from the engine at the rear.

He pulled in and was fetching a fire extinguisher when the back of the bus burst into flames. Three fire crews, from Cannock and Chase Terrace, battled to confine the blaze.

Watch manager Russ Brown said: "If it had been a fully laden bus, the situation could have been a lot more serious." He said motorists heading for Cannock followed diversions via Cheslyn Hay, causing some congestion along that route.

The bus was recovered and the road opened up again just after 4pm. The driver was unhurt.

Arriva spokesman Keith Myatt said: "An investigation will be carried out into the cause of the fire."

Highways Agency staff were called to check damage to the road surface and carry out repairs before the carriageways were reopened. A spokeswoman said tailbacks did not affect motorway traffic flow very much.