THE M6 Thelwall Viaduct at Warrington was closed on Monday evening after a lorry crashed through a safety barrier onto the embankment below.
It is understood the driver is not believed to have suffered any life-threatening injuries.
Five fire engines, from Warrington, Lymm, Middlewich, Chester and Powey Lane; plus a rescue boat from Warrington and an aerial appliance from Lymm attended at the scene.
Firefighters were called to reports of a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) that had left the carriageway of the M6 northbound between Junction 20 and 21, close to the Thelwall Viaduct.
On arrival, they found that a HGV had left the carriageway and overturned on an embankment. Crews used technical rescue equipment to lower themselves and reach the casualty, who was handed over to the care of attending paramedics.
Crews have applied water to cool the HGV and are using bunding to contain a leak of approximately 1000 litres of bio-diesel from the fuel tanks of the vehicle.
While the carriageway was fully closed, lanes one and two have been re-opened by Cheshire Police and the Highways Agency.
A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: “Officers have been dealing with a serious collision on the M6 northbound.
“Shortly after 6.50pm on Monday 30 September, police were called to reports of an incident on the M6 northbound at Thelwall Viaduct, between junction 20 and 21.
“Officers attended the scene and found a lorry had come off the carriageway and landed on the embankment below the bridge.
“The driver of the lorry is not believed to have suffered any life-threatening injuries.
“Three lanes remain closed on the northbound carriageway due to serious damage caused to the barrier. One lane will remain open with a reduced speed limit.
“These lane closures will remain in place for some time, and are expected to continue into the morning.
“Motorists are advised to avoid the area and find an alternative route during this time.”
Picture Cheshire Fire & Rescue
Thelwall Viaduct update:
Firefighters have now left the scene of the rescue of a HGV driver near to Thelwall Viaduct, after their vehicle left the northbound carriageway and fell around 60 metres onto an embankment.
Full details are available here: https://t.co/IuI10nQLrL pic.twitter.com/oJlYMfmsPs
— Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (@CheshireFire) September 30, 2024
M6 Northbound Thelwall Viaduct Closed Due to Serious Collision After HGV Drops From Viaduct
A major incident has occurred on the #M6 northbound between junctions 20 and 21, resulting in the closure of multiple lanes on the Thelwall Viaduct. The collision, which is being… pic.twitter.com/g5gZGDQorI
— YappApp (@YappAppLtd) September 30, 2024
The #M6 in #Cheshire is now OPEN northbound between J20 (#Lymm) & J21 (#Warrington).
3 (of 4) lanes remain closed due to significant barrier damage on the Thelwall Viaduct. Traffic is passing via lane 1 only.
Expect long delays on approach. Thanks for your patience. pic.twitter.com/l22PZx0JX4
— National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) September 30, 2024
