Severe delays after M6 crash in Lancashire with some drivers stuck for more than five hours

A HGV smashed into the central reservation, causing a major diesel spillage - with the motorway expected to remain closed for the rest of the day

20:27, 10 Mar 2025

Major delays continue on the M6 motorway in Lancashire tonight (Monday, March 10) - with the motorway set to remain closed for the rest of the day. A lorry crashed into the central reservation, with a 'significant' amount of diesel spilling onto the carriageway as a result.

Police, paramedics and Highways officers attended the crash near Preston, on the northbound carriageway between J31A for Longridge and J32 for the M55. The incident was first reported at around 1.10pm with a full closure remains in place northbound.

'Severe delays' built throughout the afternoon as emergency crews worked at the scene, with congestion on the M55 and 85-minute delays on the M61 northbound.

This evening, the National Highways have also released images showing the devastating traffic that the incident has caused.

Some drivers took to social media to say they had been stuck for more than five hours as a result of the incident.

Earlier today, horror pictures showed the aftermath of the collision,[1] with the northbound carriageway completely closed off throughout the evening. The red HGV became wedged in the centre of the motorway and damaged the central reservation.

The driver, a man, was rushed to hospital for treatment. Further details have not yet been confirmed by Lancashire Police.

National Highways warned of 'severe' delays into Monday night, with one lane remaining closed on the M6 southbound and a full closure in place for the remainder of the evening.

It was revealed this was because of the damage caused to the carriageway and a subsequent 'significant diesel spillage' which 'affected all lanes of the road'.

It meant a full resurfacing operation was required on the affected road, taking place overnight.

A National Highways spokesperson said: "The M6 in Lancashire is closed northbound between J31 and J32 near Preston following a collision involving a HGV which has struck the central reservation.

"Emergency Services including Lancashire Police are currently on scene.

National Highways Traffic Officers are also on scene assisting with traffic management and strategic closures.

"Lane 1 of (4) is also closed on the southbound carriageway, as the HGV has come to rest on top of the central reservation.

"Contractors are en route to assist with a large diesel spillage that is affecting all lanes of the carriageway."

References

1. ^ aftermath of the collision, (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)