A double-decker coach operated by Ridley's burst into flames on the M6 Toll this morning whilst transporting Manchester City supporters to the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
The vehicle caught fire near junction three in the West Midlands, with dramatic footage circulating on social media showing bright orange flames engulfing the coach and thick smoke billowing into the sky.
National Highways confirmed the southbound carriageway was closed between junctions T4 at Weeford and T2 at Coleshill whilst emergency crews tackled the blaze.
Traffic ground to a complete halt as fire crews worked to bring the inferno under control, with onlookers gathering on a nearby hillside to watch the scene unfold.
Pictures emerged of a coach engulfed in flames en route to Wembley
Ridley's coaches confirmed that every passenger and the driver escaped the burning vehicle without sustaining any injuries.
"All passengers and the driver were safely evacuated with no injuries. We are grateful to the emergency services for their swift response," the company stated.
The coach operator added: "The coach was carrying fans to the Carabao Cup final, and the passengers are all safely on replacement coaches to the stadium.
"We are working with authorities to understand the circumstances and will provide further updates as appropriate."
Witnesses reported seeing the evacuated supporters waiting on the grass verge beside the motorway as firefighters battled the blaze.
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service was dispatched to the scene alongside National Highways Traffic Officers, who assisted with managing the disruption.
Manchester City and Arsenal face off for the Carabao Cup this afternoon
| PAThe agency posted on X: "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."
Images from the incident revealed the coach had been severely damaged by the fire, with flames appearing to pour from the windscreen at the height of the blaze.
National Highways indicated that normal traffic conditions were expected to resume between 1.30pm and 1.45pm, with diversions established for affected motorists.
Supporters heading to the capital faced further disruption as a collision on the M1 created gridlocked conditions approximately 1.9 miles from the Wembley exit.
The pile-up prevented some City fans from leaving at Junction 1 to join the A406 North Circular towards the stadium.
Manchester City are due to face Arsenal at 4.30pm this afternoon, with both Premier League sides competing for the first trophy of the campaign.
Some 90,000 supporters are expected to fill Wembley for the showpiece occasion, with Pep Guardiola's men seeking a fifth Carabao Cup triumph under the Catalan manager's stewardship.