HGV Plunges 60 Feet Off M6 Thelwall Viaduct
Chaos erupted on the M6 northbound near the Thelwall Viaduct yesterday evening after a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) veered off the carriageway and tumbled down an embankment over 60 feet.
Fire Crews Launch Dramatic Rescue
Five fire engines from Warrington, Lymm, Middlewich, Chester, and Powey Lane rushed to the scene. They were backed by a rescue boat from Warrington and an aerial appliance from Lymm. Firefighters deployed specialised technical rescue gear to reach the trapped driver, who was swiftly handed over to paramedics for urgent medical care.
Fuel Spill Sparks Environmental Worries
Alongside the rescue, crews tackled a serious diesel spill. Around 1,000 litres of bio-diesel leaked from the overturned HGV’s tanks. Firefighters doused the vehicle with water to cool it down and used bunding to contain the dangerous spill, preventing further environmental damage.
M6 Lanes Reopen After Major Disruption
Initially, Cheshire Police and the Highways Agency shut the entire northbound carriageway between Junctions 20 and 21, causing heavy traffic chaos. Thankfully, lanes one and two have now reopened, easing the gridlock. By just after 9pm, fire crews wound down their operations, handing the scene over to partner agencies.
