Major rescue operation as lorry falls off M6 bridge sparking traffic delays
A major rescue operation was launched yesterday (Monday), after a lorry fell off the M6 in Cheshire. The HGV had fallen 60 metres down an embankment near the Thelwall Viaduct, between Junction 20 and 21, sparking major traffic delays.
At its height Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service had five fire engines, a rescue boat and an aerial appliance at the scene, with other emergency services assisting.
A statement from the fire 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, falling approximately 60 metres.
“Crews used technical rescue equipment to lower themselves and reach the casualty, who was handed over to the care of attending paramedics.
“Crews have applied water to cool the HGV and are using bunding to contain a leak of approximately 1000 litres of bio-diesel from the fuel tanks of the vehicle.
“While the carriageway was fully closed, lanes one and two have since been re-opened by Cheshire Police and the Highways Agency.”
Emergency services on the scene
In an update later the fire service said: “Crews are now bringing operational activities to a close and are starting to leave the scene, handing over the incident to partner agencies.”
National Highways have warned of delays well into the morning. A post on X said: “2 lanes (of 4) are now closed on the #M6 northbound in #Cheshire between J20 (#Lymm) & J21 (#Warrington) following the earlier collision. A complex repair operation is underway and will continue throughout the morning.
” Expect delays into the morning peak. Allow extra time.”
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References
- ^ Holidaymaker’s Range Rover ‘written off’ after he used meet and greet at Manchester Airport (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Driver led police on 100mph chase and then staged burglary in bid to get away with it (www.dailypost.co.uk)
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