Truck Accident on M6 Motorway Prompts Emergency Response
A shocking incident occurred on the M6 motorway near Warrington on Monday evening, as a lorry plunged off the Thelwall Viaduct, prompting a swift emergency response. The northbound carriageway of the motorway was closed, with police and fire crews at the scene to deal with the aftermath of the dramatic crash.
The lorry fell from the viaduct between junction 20 and junction 21, before landing on the ground below. Reports from the Manchester Evening News confirmed the closure of the M6 Northbound due to the serious accident involving the lorry. Traffic monitoring site Inrix provided updates, stating, “M6 Northbound closed, stationary traffic due to serious accident, a lorry involved from J20 M56 J9 (Lymm Interchange) to J21 A57 Manchester Road (Woolston).”
The severity of the collision led to the closure of three out of four lanes on the northbound carriageway, with only one lane open for traffic to pass through the scene. Delays of around 45 minutes were reported, with a Cheshire Police spokesperson warning that the lane closures would remain in place overnight due to the significant damage caused to the barrier. Motorists were advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes during this time.
Rescue Efforts and Safety Measures
Amidst the chaos and wreckage caused by the lorry crash, emergency services worked tirelessly to rescue the driver from the vehicle. The driver had plummeted 60 meters off the Thelwall Viaduct, with fire crews using specialized rescue equipment to reach and extract the individual from the overturned lorry.
Cheshire Police confirmed that the driver’s injuries were not life-threatening, providing some relief amidst the gravity of the situation. The driver was promptly taken to the hospital for further medical attention, ensuring their well-being following the harrowing ordeal.
Fire crews also had to contend with a leak of approximately 1000 liters of biodiesel from the fuel tanks of the lorry, which added another layer of complexity to the rescue operation. Using water to cool the HGV and containment measures to manage the fuel spill, the firefighters demonstrated their professionalism and dedication to mitigating the environmental impact of the crash.
Impact on Traffic and Infrastructure
The closure of the northbound carriageway on the M6 had a ripple effect on traffic flow and congestion in the area. With significant barrier damage from the lorry crash, National Highways issued a statement highlighting the need for ongoing lane closures and traffic management to ensure safety and facilitate repairs.
Diversion routes were put in place to guide motorists away from the affected area, providing alternative paths for those caught in the standstill traffic caused by the accident. Despite the inconvenience caused by the closure, authorities emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety and maintaining traffic flow in the aftermath of such a serious collision.
As the night wore on, updates from the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service indicated that fire crews were beginning to wrap up their operations at the scene, handing over control to partner agencies to oversee the remaining cleanup and restoration efforts. The collaborative efforts of emergency services and highway authorities were crucial in managing the aftermath of the lorry crash and ensuring public safety throughout the incident.
In conclusion, the truck accident on the M6 motorway near Warrington serves as a stark reminder of the risks and challenges faced by drivers and emergency responders on the road. The swift and coordinated response to the incident highlighted the professionalism and dedication of those involved in managing such crises, underlining the importance of preparedness and vigilance in ensuring public safety on our highways.
