M6 RECAP: All traffic stopped as car fire rages after four-vehicle collision

All traffic was stopped on a stretch of motorway this morning after a four-vehicle crash and fire[1]. Traffic was halted on the northbound carriageway of the M6 near Knutsford following the shocking collision. "One vehicle was on fire but has now been extinguished by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus using a hose reel jet," Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said. Three lanes were closed but have since reopened.

Drivers were urged to avoid the area following the incident[2].

14:39Eliana Nunes

No serious injuries sustained

Luckily, no one appears to have been seriously hurt in the four-vehicle crash. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service earlier said: "One person is believed to have sustained injuries, and all other occupants are accounted for and safe."

13:53Eliana Nunes

Traffic has eased

Traffic has eased on the M6 northbound following a four-vehicle crash near Knutsford.

13:32Eliana Nunes

All lanes now open

The scene is clear and all lanes are now running on the #M6[3] northbound between J18 #Middlewich[4] and J19 #TableyInterchange[5] following an earlier collision and vehicle fire. Thank you for your patience pic.twitter.com/Ya1iabrmo2[6]

-- National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) January 10, 2026[7]13:03KEY EVENT

Where did the crash happen?

The incident occurred on the M6 northbound near Knutsford, just before junction 19.

An eyewitness told the Manchester Evening News that an HGV and a car collided, which had a knock-on effect on several other vehicles. One car caught fire and reportedly flipped over in the crash.

Congestion on the M6 near Knutsford (Google Maps)12:56Eliana Nunes

Three of four lanes shut

Lanes 1, 2 and 3 (of 4) are closed on the #M6[8] northbound between J18 #Middlewich[9] and J19 #TableyInterchange[10] due to a collision and vehicle fire. Emergency Services are on scene.

Delays of at least 30 minutes on approach. pic.twitter.com/1PSiTihg6N[11]

-- National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) January 10, 2026[12]12:51KEY EVENT

Fire service issues statement

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said on its website: "Emergency services are dealing with a four-vehicle collision on the motorway. One vehicle was on fire but has now been extinguished by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus using a hose reel jet. "All four lanes are currently closed while crews make the scene safe.

One person is believed to have sustained injuries at this time, and all other occupants are accounted for and safe. Delays are expected while the motorway is cleared, and everyone is checked over." A further statement at 12.25pm added: "Lane four has reopened to start moving the traffic.

North West Ambulance Service is in attendance and treating one casualty.

Firefighters are monitoring the vehicle that was on fire with a thermal imaging camera."

References

1. ^ fire (www.mirror.co.uk)
2. ^ incident (www.mirror.co.uk)
3. ^ #M6 (twitter.com)
4. ^ #Middlewich (twitter.com)
5. ^ #TableyInterchange (twitter.com)
6. ^ pic.twitter.com/Ya1iabrmo2 (t.co)
7. ^ January 10, 2026 (twitter.com)
8. ^ #M6 (twitter.com)
9. ^ #Middlewich (twitter.com)
10. ^ #TableyInterchange (twitter.com)
11. ^ pic.twitter.com/1PSiTihg6N (t.co)
12. ^ January 10, 2026 (twitter.com)