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M6 motorway closed after pile-up M6 motorway closed after pile-up
(about 1 hour later)
One person is in a critical condition after a crash which closed the M6 in Birmingham in both directions. A lorry driver has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving following a pile-up on the M6 which left one person critically ill.
Seven people were taken to hospital after the collision between Spaghetti Junction and the Great Barr turning at about 0540 GMT. Seven people were taken to hospital after the crash at 0540 GMT between Spaghetti Junction and Great Barr.
Two lorries crashed on the northbound carriageway before one crossed over the central reservation and overturned. It was then hit by several vehicles.Two lorries crashed on the northbound carriageway before one crossed over the central reservation and overturned. It was then hit by several vehicles.
The M6 is shut between junctions 6 and 7 northbound and 8 to 6 southbound.The M6 is shut between junctions 6 and 7 northbound and 8 to 6 southbound.
The southbound carriageway will be shut until 1900 GMT and the northbound carriageway until mid-afternoon, the Highways Agency said.
Outside lanes will remain closed for longer and major delays are expected.
One person was airlifted to Selly Oak Hospital by police helicopter after suffering multiple leg and arm injuries.One person was airlifted to Selly Oak Hospital by police helicopter after suffering multiple leg and arm injuries.
Trapped motorists
The southbound carriageway of the motorway will be shut until 1900 GMT and the northbound carriageway until mid-afternoon, the Highways Agency said.
Outside lanes will remain closed for longer because the central reservation needs to be repaired and motorists have been advised to avoid the area if possible.
The crash caused major congestion on the M6, M5 and M42 and the Highways Agency said more long delays were predicted as the Friday afternoon rush-hour began.
Birmingham City Council said all major A roads near the crash scene had been congested.
Accident investigators and vehicle recovery teams are on the M6, while 100m of all four lanes of the southbound carriageway were being resurfaced.
Nigel Southam, from West Midlands Fire Service, said: "The crash has covered all the lanes of the M6."Nigel Southam, from West Midlands Fire Service, said: "The crash has covered all the lanes of the M6."
The service sent six crews to the scene and firefighters freed several people who were trapped in their vehicles.The service sent six crews to the scene and firefighters freed several people who were trapped in their vehicles.
Mr Southam added that the lorries where not carrying hazardous loads. Mr Southam added the lorries where not carrying hazardous loads.