Police issue update after horror HGV crash on M6 that caused drivers to be stuck for HOURS

The major crash, that resulted in a diesel spillage, also caused mayhem on the M61, M55 and M65

15:41, 11 Mar 2025Updated 15:41, 11 Mar 2025

The major collision, that resulted in a diesel spillage, caused mayhem on the M61, M55 and M65(Image: National Highways)

Police have issued an update after a HGV crash on the M6 [1] caused mayhem on the roads, with motorists stuck for more than five hours on Monday (March 10).

The lorry ploughed into the central reservation [2] on the northbound carriageway between J31A and J32, resulting in a huge diesel spillage that caused the motorway to be resurfaced overnight. The driver was rushed to hospital from the scene for medical treatment.

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There were 'severe delays' throughout the afternoon and into the evening, with motorists urged to avoid the area while emergency crews responded. Some drivers claimed they had been stuck for upwards of five hours, with nearby roads and the M61 and M65 also facing traffic chaos.

The HGV was ploughed into the central reservation(Image: National Highways)

The incident was first reported at around 1.10pm with a full closure put in place on the northbound carriageway and a lane closure also implemented southbound.

National Highways issued repeated appeals and motorway camera images, showing the devastating traffic that the incident has caused.

Motorists on social media claimed they had been trapped in miles of congestion for a number of hours.

And there were delays of two-hours the following morning [3], Tuesday (March 11), with barrier repair works and road resurfacing continuing to take place throughout the morning.

A statement shared by Lancashire Police read: "We know you will be aware of the significant disruption on the roads around Preston yesterday afternoon, last night and this morning, which was caused by a collision on the M6 and we want to let you know about the work done in order to reopen the motorway.

The lorry crash caused severe delays on Monday(Image: National Highways)

"We received a report at 12.57pm yesterday that an HGV travelling north had been in collision with the central reservation between junctions 31 and 32, near Preston. The driver of the HGV was taken to hospital for medical treatment.

"Three lanes of the northbound carriageway of the M6 at Preston reopened this morning after being closed since the collision. We understand the disruption and frustration which the closure caused.

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"The lengthy closure was needed to allow the HGV to be recovered and for emergency repair work to be carried out by National Highways engineers as a substantial diesel spillage from the HGV damaged an extensive area of the northbound carriageway and required resurfacing work.

"The damage to the central reservation needed to be repaired.

The large volume of traffic which uses the M6 was diverted on to surrounding roads which caused lengthy delays across the Preston area, impacting also on the M61 and M65.

Thank you for your patience."

References

^ HGV crash on the M6 (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
^ ploughed into the central reservation (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
^ delays of two-hours the following morning (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)