Police slam drivers ‘filming on their phones’ following M6 horror crash which injured nine
Motorists driving a HGV and a minibus full of children were among those captured using their phones and filming the scene of the crash
16:09, 15 Jul 2025
Queues on the M6 following the collision(Image: National Highways / trafficcameras.uk)Police have slammed drivers seen 'filming on their phones' following a horror crash on the M6 which injured nine, including children, on Monday (July 14).
A 12-month old boy and a girl, aged six, were among those injured in the collision between junction 33 and the Forton Services, near Lancaster. Emergency services, including an air ambulance, were called to the southbound carriageway to reports of four cars becoming involved in the crash.
Nine people were injured and eight of those remain in hospital, five with serious injuries, police said. The driver and front seat passenger of a BMW, a man and woman both in their 30s, and a six-year-old girl who was a rear seat passenger suffered serious injuries.
Never miss a story with the MEN's daily Catch Up newsletter - get it in your inbox by signing up here[1]
A 12-month-old boy, who was also a rear seat passenger, suffered less serious injuries.
The driver and front seat passenger from a Honda CR-V, a man and woman in their 80s, suffered relatively minor injuries.
And, a driver of a Nissan X-Trial, a woman in her 30s, suffered minor injuries. The driver and front seat passenger of a Honda HR-V, a man and woman in their 60s, suffered serious injuries, police said.
The motorway closure caused major disruption and delays to the surrounding road network. Following repairs, the motorway is now fully open and an appeal has been launched for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage.
An investigation is ongoing into the collision, with Lancashire Police now issuing a stark message to other motorists who were seen using their mobile phones to film as they passed the scene.
Emergency crews at the scene(Image: mcroutlaws)The force has also now vowed to track down any motorists caught breaking the law and using their phones, which included social media footage being filmed from a number of vehicles, including a minibus full of children.
Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE[2]
Serious Collision Investigation Unit Inspector Steve Scott said: "Our officers, and emergency service colleagues responded to the call, where nine people, including children, were injured.
"Whilst the emergency services were carrying out their duties: treating patients, ensuring the safety of those trapped in vehicles, and investigating the collision, a number of drivers on the northbound carriageway passed the scene, using their mobile phones to film as they were driving.
"Yesterday we saw footage shared on social media of the scene from a driver's window, while our officers also observed another person filming out of the window, whilst driving a minibus full of children.
We also witnessed an HGV driver doing the same thing and investigations are ongoing to identify these drivers. We were able to record at least five others doing the same thing.
"This is incredibly dangerous and illegal. Those caught by our officers or by cameras doing this yesterday, will be reported and dealt with appropriately.
Article continues below"We know that being held up on the motorway can be frustrating.
No one wants their journey extended or diverted, and sometimes a large emergency service response can draw a lot of attention.
"This is not an excuse to act illegally. Yesterday's collision involved real people - someone's mum, dad, or child. Whilst they were at their most vulnerable, some drivers selfishly chose to film for their own curiosity and entertainment.
"We want to take this time to remind you to drive with caution.
If you think it is acceptable to drive in this manner, it is not."