Major incident as lorry plunges off M6 viaduct causing massive disruption and biodiesel spill
A lorry has plunged from the Thelwall Viaduct, crashing on the ground beneath and leading to several lanes on the M6 being shut.
The HGV is thought to have smashed through a barrier before tumbling over the bridge and crashing into the embankment below. Emergency services, including police and fire crews, are on the scene, with partial closures along the M6 still in effect.
A chilling image of the aftermath reveals the severely damaged vehicle resting on an embankment under the motorway, with billows of smoke emanating from the crash site.
It's understood that the driver was rescued and swiftly taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. Approximately 1,000 litres of biodiesel also leaked from the fuel tanks carried by the vehicle during the collision, according to Manchester Evening News.
The Thelwall Viaduct, located in Warrington, carries the M6 motorway over the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Mersey. Three lanes continue to be closed on the northbound carriageway due to significant damage inflicted on the barrier, while another lane will stay open but with a reduced speed limit, reports the Mirror[1].
Cheshire Police have stated that the lane closures will persist "for some time."
In an announcement, local authorities alerted motorists of a "serious collision" on the M6, stating: "Please be aware that a number of lanes are closed on the M6 northbound Thelwall Viaduct between junction 20 and 21, due to a serious collision. The closures are expected to be in place for some time and motorists are advised to avoid the area and find alternative routes."
This evening, emergency responders employed specialised rescue gear to extricate the HGV driver involved in the crash. A representative for the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service reported: "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."
Upon reaching the scene, they discovered that an HGV had "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."
The fire team has taken precautionary measures by applying water to cool the HGV and containing a substantial diesel spill with bunding methods. Initially causing a complete closure, lanes one and two of the carriageway have since been reopened by Cheshire Police and the Highways Agency.
Cheshire Police released a statement: "Shortly after 6.50pm on Monday 30 September, police were called to reports of an incident on the M6 northbound at Thelwall Viaduct, between junction 20 and 21.
"Officers attended the scene and found a lorry had come off the carriageway and landed on the embankment below the bridge. The driver of the lorry is not believed to have suffered any life-threatening injuries. 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 will remain in place for some time, and are expected to continue into the morning. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and find an alternative route during this time."
References
- ^ the Mirror (www.mirror.co.uk)