The M6 Toll in the West Midlands witnessed a dramatic incident on March 22, 2026, when a coach carrying Manchester City fans burst into flames near junction three. The coach was en route to the highly anticipated Carabao Cup final at Wembley, a match set to kick off at 4:30 PM.
Fortunately, all passengers and the driver were safely evacuated before the fire escalated, with no injuries reported. The quick actions of the passengers ensured their safety, as they exited the vehicle promptly.
The fire caused significant traffic disruption, bringing the M6 to a standstill. The southbound section of the M6 Toll was closed between T4 (Weeford) and T2 (Coleshill) due to the incident, affecting many fans traveling to the match.
Emergency services, including the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, responded swiftly to the scene. Ridley Coaches, the operator of the affected vehicle, confirmed the incident, stating, “We can confirm an incident occurred involving one of our coaches on the M6 Toll southbound earlier today.”
In a reassuring update, Ridley Coaches added, “All passengers and the driver were safely evacuated with no injuries.” This statement reflects the effective emergency response and the preparedness of the passengers.
As traffic remained halted, passengers were transferred to replacement coaches to continue their journey to Wembley, ensuring that they would still arrive in time for the match despite the setback.
National Highways issued a statement confirming the closure of the M6 Toll in Warwickshire, stating, “The M6 Toll in Warwickshire is closed southbound between T4 (Weeford) and T2 (Coleshill) due to a coach fire.” This closure further compounded the travel challenges faced by fans.
Observers noted that while the fire was a serious incident, the lack of injuries was a fortunate outcome. The efficient evacuation and response from emergency services played a crucial role in preventing what could have been a more tragic scenario.
As the situation develops, officials are expected to provide further updates regarding the investigation into the cause of the fire and the reopening of the M6 Toll. Details remain unconfirmed, but the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all travelers.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of travel, especially during significant events like the Carabao Cup final, where thousands of fans are on the move.