Dramatic images show aftermath of lorry crash as part of M6 to stay closed overnight
Part of the M6 will remain closed overnight for the complex recovery of a lorry following a major crash and fire.
Traffic was stopped in both directions on the M6 in Staffordshire on Sunday afternoon due to a crash involving a lorry that caught fire.
Long delays remain on the approach to the incident, which happened at 11.30am between Junction 12 for Cannock and Junction 13 for Stafford.
A spokesman for National Highways said: "The M6 northbound in Staffordshire will remain closed overnight between J12 and J13 due to a road traffic collision involving a HGV.
"Work to recover the lorry continues. Once complete, resurfacing of the carriageway can begin."
As of 8pm there were delays of 45 minutes above normal journey times on the approach to J12, with approximately five miles of congestion in the area.
Highways bosses will update here as soon as the lorry has been recovered and the motorway made safe to reopen.
Dramatic images released by the National Highways team revealed the extent of the damage.
The Midlands Air Ambulance and all other emergency services attended scene. The injuries of those involved are not yet known.
Traffic was originally stopped in both directions but the southbound carriageway has now been released.
At 1pm, traffic caught within the closure was turned around from the rear of the queue. Some traffic near to the crash was moved past the incident.
Road users are advised to follow the Hollow Triangle diversion symbol on road signs.
Exit M6 at J12 and take the exit to the A5 westbound
Continue along the A5 westwards to its junction with the A449 (Gailey)
Take the exit to the A449 northbound and continue to the M6 J13