THE M42 near Redditch has reopened after a lorry carrying hay bales caught fire, forcing the motorway to be closed for several hours.
The southbound carriageway of the M42 between J3A and J3 was closed from around 2.30pm on January 16 and reopened in the early hours of January 17.
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A spokesperson for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "On arrival crews found that a lorry carrying hay had pulled over onto the hard shoulder as some of the hay bales were on fire.
“Subsequently a couple of bales had fallen onto the verge and had set the verge alight.
“Once the fire was extinguished, crews remained on the scene damping down.
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“A request was made to the Highways England for heavy lifting equipment to unload the remaining straw.
“Once it was safe to move the vehicle, a fire appliance escorted the lorry to ensure there was no re-ignition.”
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