The M6 motorway in Birmingham was brought to a standstill on October 31, 2026, due to a van fire and a significant diesel spill. National Highways reported that all three lanes on the southbound side were closed for over two hours, affecting traffic between junction six, known as Gravelly Hill Interchange or Spaghetti Junction, and junction five near Castle Bromwich. The incident began around 16:00 GMT, causing substantial delays for motorists in the area.
Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, where the van fire and subsequent diesel spillage created hazardous conditions. The closure of the motorway not only disrupted local traffic but also had a ripple effect on the surrounding road networks. Authorities worked to clear the debris and manage the spill, which required careful handling to prevent further complications.S1S2
As of the latest updates, the situation has begun to normalize, but drivers are advised to remain cautious and expect residual delays as cleanup operations continue. National Highways has not yet provided a timeline for when all lanes will be fully reopened, leaving many commuters to seek alternative routes in the interim.S1S2
