M6 fire today: junction 32 closed and diversions in place after lorry fire

Motorists are facing delays and diversions today (29 July) after a vehicle fire in Lancashire.

Fire crews are working at the scene where a lorry caught fire at around 6.15am, between junctions 32 at Fulwood and 31a in Preston.

A full closure of the southbound carriageway was put in place at 6.50am and was still in place gone 2pm. The southbound carriage of the M6 is shut between J32 for Preston and J31A for Longridge whilst recovery teams work at the scene alongside police and fire crews.

The M55 was also closed eastbound, between junction 1 (A6 Garstang Road, Fulwood) to the M6 junction 32 .

The stricken lorry has been gutted by fire and cranes have been deployed to remove it from the carriageway.

But National Highways, who are overseeing the recovery, say it is ‘complex’ and the M6 could remain closed for some time yet

Highways England advised leaving extra time if travelling on the motorways.

What have police said?

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “Please be aware that the M6 Southbound at Junction 32 is currently closed due to a vehicle fire.

"We are working to get this reopened as soon as possible. Many thanks for your patience.”