Police warn drivers filming motorway crash they will be ‘dealt with’

A 12-month-old boy and a girl, aged six, were among those injured in the collision on the M6

01:14, 19 Jul 2025

Police have criticised motorists who were seen 'filming on their phones' in the aftermath of a dreadful accident on the M6, which resulted in injuries to nine individuals, including children.

Among those injured in the collision between junction 33 and the Forton Services, near Lancaster, were a one year old boy and a six year old girl. Emergency services, inclusive of an air ambulance, responded to reports of four vehicles involved in the crash on the southbound carriageway.

According to police, nine people were injured with eight still hospitalised, five of whom are seriously injured. The driver and front seat passenger of a BMW, both in their 30s, along with a six year old girl seated in the back, sustained serious injuries.

A one year old boy, also a rear seat passenger, suffered less severe injuries.

The driver and front seat passenger of a Honda CR-V, both in their 80s, incurred relatively minor injuries.

Additionally, a woman in her 30s driving a Nissan X-Trial experienced minor injuries. The driver and front seat passenger of a Honda HR-V, a man and woman in their 60s, suffered serious injuries, according to police.

The closure of the motorway led to significant disruption and delays in the surrounding road network. Following necessary repairs, the motorway has now fully reopened and an appeal for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage has been launched.

An ongoing investigation into a collision has prompted Lancashire Police to issue a severe warning to drivers caught filming the incident on their mobile phones as they drove past.

The police are determined to identify and prosecute those who were seen using their phones, which includes individuals recording social media videos from various vehicles, one of which was a minibus carrying children.

Inspector Steve Scott from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit remarked: "Our officers, and emergency service colleagues responded to the call, where nine people, including children, were injured."

He further noted the irresponsible behaviour of some motorists, saying, "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."

Scott emphasised the gravity of the offence, stating, "This is incredibly dangerous and illegal. Those caught by our officers or by cameras doing this yesterday, will be reported and dealt with appropriately.

"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."