A major accident involving a lorry has caused significant disruption on the M6 near the Thelwall Viaduct, resulting in several lane closures and heavy travel delays. The incident occurred on the evening of Monday, September 30, when an HGV crashed through a barrier on the viaduct and fell onto the embankment below.
Emergency crews, including police and fire services, rushed to the scene, where they found the heavily damaged vehicle lying beneath the motorway, with smoke billowing from the crash site. The driver, who was rescued by emergency service crews using specialist equipment, was taken to the hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
The Thelwall Viaduct, which carries the M6 over the Manchester Ship Canal and River Mersey, is currently experiencing severe traffic congestion, with three of the four lanes on the northbound carriageway closed due to the extent of the damage. One lane remains open with a reduced speed limit, but Cheshire Police have warned that the lane closures will remain in place for some time, likely continuing into the morning.
Emergency Response and Bio-Diesel Spill
A spokesperson for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters were called to reports of a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) that had left the carriageway of the M6 northbound between Junction 20 and 21, close to the Thelwall Viaduct. On arrival, they found that a HGV had left the carriageway and overturned on an embankment. Crews used technical rescue equipment to lower themselves and reach the casualty, who was handed over to the care of attending paramedics.
Crews also worked to contain a leak of approximately 1,000 litres of biodiesel from the vehicle’s fuel tanks, applying water to cool the HGV and using bunding to limit the spread of the spill.
Police Advice to Motorists
Cheshire Police issued a statement shortly after 6:50 p.m. on Monday, confirming the incident and urging motorists to avoid the area. A spokesperson said: “Three lanes remain closed on the northbound carriageway due to serious damage caused to the barrier. One lane will remain open with a reduced speed limit. These lane closures are expected to continue into the morning. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and find an alternative route during this time.
Drivers are experiencing standstill traffic, with delays currently estimated at around 45 minutes. The closures have also had a wider impact on travel throughout the region, as drivers attempt to navigate alternative routes around the affected area.
Traffic Disruption to Continue Overnight
Cheshire Police and the Highways Agency have stated that they are working to clear the scene as quickly as possible, but have advised that lane closures will remain in place overnight and possibly into the following day, given the extensive damage to the barrier and the clean-up required.
Motorists are advised to check for updates before setting out on their journeys and consider using alternative routes where possible to avoid the M6 in the area of the Thelwall Viaduct.
Appeal for Witnesses
Authorities are also appealing to any witnesses who saw the incident or have dash-cam footage of the accident to come forward to assist in their investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Cheshire Police.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
