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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Kit Vickery

England fans stranded on M62 during crunch Germany Euro showdown... after Carling lorry bursts into flames

Hundreds of England fans hoping to catch the crunch Euro 2020 tie with Germany have been left disappointed - after a truck load of Carling burst into flames on the M62.

Supporters have been stuck in their cars on the motorway for more than two hours, following the fire at around 1pm.

Many are now resigned to listening to the game on the radio as they sit in 13 miles of tailbacks on the major motorway.

READ MORE: Police officer in hospital after crash while responding to 'ongoing incident'

The westbound carriageway of the main route through the Pennines was closed between junction 21 and 22 earlier this afternoon when the Carling beer truck caught fire.

(Honig Klause Heidenau)

Traffic was stopped shortly after 1.10pm, and queues have been building throughout the afternoon, with tailbacks currently reaching back 13 miles, past junction 25.

Drivers could be waiting up to two hours to clear the incident, meaning some people won't be making it home in time to catch any of tonight's game.

Some people stuck in the tailbacks took to Twitter to express their frustrations, after Carling asked users of the social media platform where they'd be watching the game from.

The branded account asked: "Be sure to tweet us pictures of where you’re watching the big game!"

Most of the 27 replies to the tweet were from people stuck in traffic after being caught in the aftermath of the incident.

One driver replied: "If they don't move your wagon off m62 jct 21 I'll be watching it here."

After being contacted by Manchester Evening News, the motorist revealed a coach driver had let some footy fans use his loo - and he had a TV to catch the game.

He said: "Still in traffic, luckily got a TV in car and a very nice man from national express is letting people use his onboard toilet so not too bad just need a win."

There are not believed to have been any injuries in the incident, and the driver is believed to be safe and well.

Motorists have been asked to avoid the area if possible.

A car in the queue broke down earlier this evening, adding to the delays, but has since been cleared.

It is not yet known when the incident will be cleared, but highways officers are working to get motorists through as soon as possible.

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