A coach is on fire on the m6 toll near Coleshill Parkway in Warwickshire, forcing a southbound closure and long delays this afternoon. National Highways said the southbound carriageway between T4 at Weeford and T2 at Coleshill is closed and emergency services are attending. One Manchester City fan said they believed it to be another city fan coach heading to the Arsenal EFL Cup match at Wembley Stadium, with the fixture due to kick off at 4: 30pm ET.
M6 Toll closure and immediate scene
Traffic has been stopped on the southbound m6 toll between junctions T4 (Weeford) and T2 (Coleshill) after a coach caught fire near Coleshill Parkway. Motorists reported plumes of black smoke visible from a distance and multiple coaches and cars stationary across all lanes, with fans on the hard shoulder. Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service and Warwickshire Police are on the incident list and have been contacted for comment; emergency services remain in attendance at the scene.
Traffic management and official lines
National Highways said three lanes were closed on the southbound carriageway and that crews were working to manage the scene. “We are hoping to be able to get lane 3 open to allow traffic caught within the closure to pass the scene. Thanks for your patience if you’re held up, ” National Highways said. The authority also said it expected normal traffic conditions to resume between 1: 30pm and 1: 45pm ET, while recovery and safety checks continue.
Immediate reactions from the road
Fans and drivers trapped in the hold-ups described long delays and visible damage to the vehicle involved. One Manchester City fan said they believed the coach was carrying City supporters on the way to the Wembley fixture. Other motorists described standstill traffic and expressed frustration at the timing and scale of the closure as supporters and other travellers tried to reach central London for the match.
What’s next
National Highways will work to reopen lane 3 where possible to allow traffic held within the closure to move past the scene; recovery and fire safety teams will continue to prioritise safety before full reopening. Motorists should expect disruption on the m6 toll while emergency services and recovery crews work; further updates are likely as the situation develops and when lanes are cleared. Emergency services remain on site and authorities will confirm when normal traffic flow resumes.
