M6 fire LIVE: Blaze engulfs double decker coach on major UK motorway near Wembley

'Kick off should be delayed'

Football fans are hoping kick off will be delayed later this afternoon with thousands of Manchester City fans stuck in a major traffic jam on the M6.

The Carabao Cup final today will see Arsenal face off against Man City in the capital, with kick off scheduled for 4.30pm.

On X, one user said: Please delay kick off, thousands of city fans stuck on the M6."

"Would have to postpone the game, doesn't look like 30 minutes delayed kick off will help those, looks absolutely awful," another said.

All passengers safely evacuated, coach company says

A spokesperson for Ridleys Coaches, the firm whose coach burst into flames on the M6, has confirmed everyone on board the vehicle was evacuated safely.

The spokesperson said: "We can confirm an incident occurred involving one of our coaches on the M6 Toll southbound earlier today.

"All passengers and the driver were safely evacuated with no injuries.

"We are grateful to the emergency services for their swift response.

"The coach was carrying fans to the Carabao Cup final, and the passengers are all safely on replacement coaches to the stadium.

"We are working with authorities to understand the circumstances and will provide further updates as appropriate."

'Massive tailbacks'

Frustrated fans have taken to X about the traffic on the M6 this afternoon, with a huge section closed near the toll due to a coach fire.

"Massive tailbacks for city fans", one said in a post on X, as hundreds look to descend on Wembley later this afternoon for the Carabao Cup final.

Motorists stood on M6 beside cars amid traffic chaos

Footage from the M6 this afternoon shows dozens of fed-up looking motorists as they stand on the tarmac of the motorway amid a major traffic jam.

Dozens of football fans kitted out in Manchester City gear can be seen along the side of the road with coaches and cars stationary across all the lanes.

The chaos comes following reports of a coach fire, said to be taking Man City fans to the match in the capital this afternoon.

Cars held up in major traffic as black smoke fills the sky

Plumes of black smoke can be seen far back in the distance on the M6 toll, according to motorists.

Emergency services are still on the scene after a coach believed to be transporting Manchester City fans to the football match at Wembley today burst into flames.

Road still closed on M6 toll as motorists head to Wembley

In an update, the National Highways has confirmed three lanes are still currently closed on the M6 toll in Warwickshire between T4 and T2 southbound (Weeford and Coleshill).

"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," it added.

All lanes closed on M6 Toll southbound

National Highways says all lanes on the M6 toll soughtbound between T3 and T2 remain shut due to a vehicle fire.

Normal traffic conditions are expected to resue between 1.30pm and 1.45pm, it says.

'Loads of us stuck' passengers say

As thousands are making their way to Wembley stadium today ahead of the Man City vs Arsenal match, with kick-off at 4.30pm, dozens of motorists report being caught in a major traffic jam.

Earlier this afternoon, a coach supposedly transporting Manchester City fans caught alight and could be seen burning at the side of the road. Other footage appears to show dozens of people, possibly passengers, gathered on the grassy embankment while thick black plumes of smoke filled the sky.

National Highways has confirmed the road has been closed while firefighters battle the burning inferno.

"The whole road is stood still", said one on X. Another warned: "Don’t be travelling on m6 toll. It’s shut due to a huge fire, loads of us stuck."

M6 Toll 'still closed' due to bus fire

National Highways: West Midlands has confirmed in a post on X that the M6 Toll in Warwickshire is currently closed across all lanes between T4 (Weeford) and T2 (Coleshill) due to a coach fire.

Emergency services are still on the scene, it says.

People seen gathered on hill as firefighters battle blaze

Another video captured by a member of the public appears to show dozens of people gathered at a safe distance on a hill while a coach became engulfed by flames on the M6 toll.

It is believed the coach may have been transporting Manchester City fans ahead of the football match against Arsenal at Wembley today.

Manchester City fans warned of severe delays on M6

Fans looking forward to the Man City vs Arsenal match today are being warned of major delays on the M6 toll.

Motorists currently on the motorway say traffic has been brought to a complete "standstill". Emergency services are still on the scene.

Passengers gather on M6 embankment as fire tears through bus

Further footage shared on social media shows dozens of people, possibly passengers from the coach, stood from a distance on the grassy embankment at the side of the M6.

Firefighters can also be seen battling the enormous inferno as the road remains closed across all lanes.

Emergency services on scene of coach fire

England Highways has said the M6 toll southbound between junctions T3 and T2 are currently experiencing delays due to a vehicle fire.

In a post on X, National Highways for West Midlands has confirmed traffic has been brought to a standstill.

"Traffic has been STOPPED on the #M6Toll southbound between T3 and T2 due to a coach fire. Emergency services are in attendance. Thanks for your patience if you're held up," it said.

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