Firefighters were among ten patients being treated at the scene of a chemical tanker fire that shut parts the M6. The motorway remains closed in both directions, but is due to reopen at 7pm.
Emergency services: 'Our priority is to contain chemicals'
At this stage, our priority is to contain the chemicals and remove them and ensure that there are no hazards to public health at the scene. We will then seek to remove vehicles from the scene and re-open the motorway later today. Ten people, including 8 firefighters, were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.
One remains in hospital and is being monitored carefully but we anticipate he will be released very soon. Our information indicates that the chemicals will pose no danger to the public and we would like to reassure everybody who has been in the vicinity. However, we advise residents living within the vicinity to stay inside and close the windows, again, as a precaution only.
The West Midlands Ambulance Service have confirmed that some of those taken to hospital for treatment after the chemical fire on the M6 have been discharged:
Some of the 10 patients suffering from breathing difficulties taken to Uni Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire have now... http://t.co/Wl5HwWvw
Motorists abandon their cars as traffic stands still
People abandon their cars as traffic stands still Credit: ITV CentralTraffic stands still Credit: ITV CentralM6 southbound is deserted Credit: ITV Central
Fire crews at the scene of the lorry fire Credit: ITV CentralTraffic is being turned round on the M6 Northbound carriage Credit: ITV CentralWest Midlands Ambulance Service are on the scene Credit: ITV CentralTraffic is being turned around at Corley services Credit: ITV Central
