The southbound carriageway of the M6 motorway in the West Midlands has been shut following a van fire and substantial diesel spillage, according to BBC News. All three lanes were closed between junction six at Gravelly Hill Interchange, commonly referred to as Spaghetti Junction, and junction five near Castle Bromwich from 16:00 GMT.
National Highways reported significant delays of approximately 60 minutes as emergency services and contractors worked at the scene to address the fire, manage the diesel spillage, and recover the damaged vehicle from the roadway.
This incident follows a pattern of fuel-related disruptions on regional motorways. In July 2026, a lorry jackknifed on the M5 northbound in Worcestershire, releasing 300 litres of diesel and causing comparable delays. Similarly, a fuel tanker jackknifed on the M5 southbound near Burnham-on-Sea in May 2026, resulting in a diesel spill that required recovery and fuel transfer operations.
What diversions are in place?
Motorists have been instructed to avoid the affected section and instead use alternative routes. The recommended diversion involves travelling southbound on the A451 and eastbound on the A47, which allows drivers to rejoin the M6 after junction five. These diversions are expected to add considerable time to journeys through the region.
What happens next?
Emergency services remain on site with National Highways contractors to complete road surface repairs and vehicle recovery operations. Motorists are advised to check for updates on journey times and road conditions before travelling through the West Midlands on the southbound M6.
