A section of the A45 through Coventry continues to be shut this afternoon following a fire involving a heavy goods vehicle.
Significant travel problems have been reported after the wagon caught alight at approximately 3pm. Emergency services were alerted to the incident near Broad Lane and Tile Hill Lane, with motorists strongly advised to steer clear of the vicinity.
West Midlands Roads indicated that congestion is building on surrounding routes. It remains unclear whether any casualties resulted from the blaze.
Attempts were made to reach West Midlands Police, West Midlands Ambulance Service and West Midlands Fire Service for additional information.
The road was later confirmed to have reopened by CoventryCC Roads, with normal traffic flow resuming during the evening. Representatives stated that all lanes had been cleared of wreckage.
South Coventry Police acknowledged the reopening and expressed gratitude to community members who provided assistance.
However, West Midlands Roads clarified that the A45 Dunchurch Highway continues to be blocked near Pickford Way and Broad Lane, urging drivers to find alternative routes.
John Gallagher posted footage lasting 22 seconds showing the incident unfolding, with dense smoke rising from the burning lorry as firefighters tackled the flames.
Drone photography taken by Ben Handley in Allesley Green illustrated the magnitude of the fire shortly after the 3pm outbreak.
Local resident Sue Cole reported that an articulated waste collection wagon caught fire, with its load strewn across the carriageway.
Police confirmed they were working alongside fire crews to deal with the blaze close to Wing Wah. Officers stated the road was shut between the Allesley entry point and Wing Wah roundabout.
One carriageway remained blocked, with vehicles backed up towards Pickford Way. Traffic monitoring service Inrix reported the closure on Fletchamstead Highway at Broad Lane, with congestion stretching to Pickford Way.
Motorists were continuing to be warned to avoid the area as emergency services managed the situation.