M6 is closed after a lorry carrying tinned fruit bursts into flames

The M6 has been shut after a lorry carrying tinned fruit burst into flames – sparking fears the cans could explode and hit passing cars.

A lorry carrying canned fruit overturned and caught alight on the southbound carriageway in north Staffordshire.

Both lanes between junction 14 for Stafford North and junction 15 for Hanchurch have been closed since 3pm. 

Firefighters remain at the scene and a digger is being used to empty the tins onto the road to put them out there.

A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson told Stoke-On-Trent Live: ‘We are still in attendance on the M6.

‘A digger is now in use emptying the lorry’s contents onto the road for full extinguishment and disposal.

‘The motorway remains closed for safety reasons.’ 

Now motorists are being diverted along the A500 through Stoke-on-Trent and the A34. It is not yet known when the M6 will reopen.

A Highways England spokesman said: ‘The M6 in Staffordshire is closed northbound between junctions 14 and 15 due to a collision and a vehicle fire.

‘It is also blocked southbound while emergency services work at the scene alongside Highways England traffic officers.

‘Please allow extra time for your journey if travelling in the area or consider alternative routes.’