Motorway congestion stretching back miles was reported today after a car fire on the M56 near Manchester Airport. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
A photograph taken by a passer-by showed flares pouring from the bonnet of the grey-coloured Volkswagen Golf amid the scorching heatwave temperatures.
The hatchback is positioned on a lay-by on a section of the motorway under roadworks.
Two lanes were closed on the eastbound M56 between junction seven and six, near Altrincham, Trafford, and Manchester Airport from just after 1pm today - Monday.
National Highways reported two miles of congestion on approach to the scene, saying the incident caused 30 minute delays above the normal travel time. Motorists were warned to allow extra times for their journeys.
All lanes, however, were later reopened after Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service attended.
One witness said the car 'blew up in smoke' on a section of the motorway under a reduced speed limit of 50mph. "There was a fire engine on the other side of the M56 going round to the next junction, but no one saw any driver or passengers in the car," they said.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "Just after 1pm this afternoon, Monday, we received a report of a vehicle fire on the M56, located in a layby between junctions six and seven.
"Two fire appliances from Wythenshawe and Offerton fire stations were quickly at the scene, where crews found a car well alight.
"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used one hose reel to extinguish the flames, and were in attendance for just over three quarters of an hour." No further details have been revealed.
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