A serious incident on a key Midlands motorway has caused severe disruption for Monday afternoon travellers. A lorry has crashed on the M6 southbound carriageway in Staffordshire, leading to significant lane closures and lengthy delays.
Location and Timing of the M6 Incident
The collision occurred shortly before midday on Monday, January 5, 2026. The affected section is between Junction 15 for Stoke-on-Trent and Junction 14 for Stafford. Emergency services were quickly dispatched to the scene following reports of the accident.
Oil Spill and Lane Closures
The crash involved a heavy goods vehicle which, upon colliding, spilt a significant amount of oil across the carriageway. This hazardous spillage necessitated immediate safety measures. Two lanes of the motorway have been closed to allow for the cleanup operation and recovery of the vehicle, severely reducing capacity on this major route.
Severe Travel Disruption for Drivers
The lane closures have had a dramatic impact on traffic flow. National Highways reported that queues have stretched back for approximately six miles from the incident site. Drivers caught in the tailbacks are experiencing delays of at least 30 minutes on their journeys. The congestion is expected to persist for several hours while recovery work continues.
Motorists planning to use the M6 southbound through Staffordshire are strongly advised to seek alternative routes if possible. Those already in the queue should expect a lengthy wait and are urged to exercise patience. Updates on the reopening of the closed lanes will be provided by traffic authorities as the situation develops.
