Firefighters are battling a billowing coach inferno on the M6, as Manchester City fans were warned to avoid the road en route to the Carabao Cup final, where they face Arsenal. Travellers passing the dramatic scene posted messages on social media advising fellow fans to avoid any route that takes the M6 toll at Birmingham.
England Highways has said the M6 toll southbound between junctions T3 and T2 faces delays due to a vehicle fire. In a post on X, National Highways for West Midlands has confirmed that emergency services are at the scene.
“Traffic has been STOPPED on the #M6Toll southbound between T3 and T2 due to a coach fire. Emergency services are in attendance. Thanks for your patience if you’re held up,” it said.
Traffic is now claimed to be at a ‘standstill’ as fans face multiple travel issues on their way to Wembley. Normal traffic conditions are expected to resume between 1.30pm and 1.45pm, according to National Highways.
That issue is posing a problem for fans wanting to head to the ground, with some City fans prevented from turning off Junction 1 and joining the A406 North Circular to the stadium.
City are scheduled to face Arsenal at 4.30pm this afternoon as the sides battle for the first piece of silverware of the season. The Premier League’s frontrunners will hope to lay down a strong precedent for the final run-in.
Guardiola has led his team to four previous successes in the competition. Despite a Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, the Catalan coach reckons his side are near their best.
“I have the feeling in many things we’re just underneath [our peak],” he said. “We will flourish, I have the feeling that it’s close.
“Other things we need a little more time until the people realise what we need to be strong in many departments but in most things we are close.”