The crane fire on the M6
The M6 has now reopened after a dramatic crane fire earlier this morning.
The incident was reported at around 7.39am this morning near to Middleshaw.
Both carriageways of the M6 were closed between Junction 36 and Junction 39 because of large plumes of smoke blocking the motorway after a tonne crane burst into flames.
The southbound carriageway was reopened first and as of 12.45pm two lanes of the northbound carriageway had reopened.
The third lane remains closed during the day and will be resurfaced tonight.
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