Motorists are facing 'severe delays' on the M6 in Cheshire following a vehicle fire.
Two lanes are currently closed as a result of the blaze. A car in the layby of the southbound carriageway between J18-19 has been completely destroyed by fire.
Traffic monitoring system Inrix states: "Severe delays and two lanes closed due to vehicle fire on M6 Southbound between J19 A556 ( Knutsford ) and J18 A54 Middlewich Road (Middlewich / Holmes Chapel). Congestion to the other side due to onlookers.
"Traffic is moving again after being briefly held, lanes one and two (of four) remain closed."
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One lane closed
Inrix update: "One lane closed and very slow traffic due to recovery work and earlier vehicle fire on M6 Southbound between J19 A556 (Knutsford) and J18 A54 Middlewich Road (Middlewich / Holmes Chapel). Congestion to the other side due to onlookers."
'Severe delays'
National Highways says there are currently delays of one hour due to the incident.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service statement
Two fire engines from Wilmslow and Lymm, plus one of the service's weekday fire engines have attended the scene. They were called at 4.15pm.
In a statement, the service said:
Firefighters were called to a car fire in a layby on the M6 southbound. Crews used one breathing apparatus and worked to extinguish the fire.
Highways closed all lanes of the motorway to allow the incident to be dealt with safely.
The fire was fully extinguished and crews dampened down the vehicle to ensure it was safe. Highways officers then took over the scene, and lanes 3 and 4 of the southbound carriageway have been reopened.
