VIDEO: AN investigation is underway after a lorry plunged off the M6 Thelwall Viaduct with the driver having a “remarkable” escape with suspected minor injuries.
Police have now launched an investigation into the cause of the serious collision which saw the HGV leave the carriageway and plunge 60 ft through a safety barrier onto an embankment below.
Shortly after 6.50pm on Monday 30 September, police were called to reports of an incident on the M6 Thelwall Viaduct northbound, 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, a 56-year-old man, is not believed to have suffered any life changing or life-threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital following the incident and is set to be discharged with suspected minor injuries.
Lane closures remained in place overnight on the northbound carriageway due to serious damage caused to the motorway barrier.
The lane closures were lifted this afternoon (Tuesday 1 October) following repairs to the barrier and all lanes are now open.
Cheshire Police, assisted by recovery agents, worked to recover the lorry from the embankment below the carriageway and the vehicle has since been moved.
Inspector Anton Sullivan said: “This was a major operation right from the outset, utilising a multi-agency approach with colleagues from NWAS, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Highways, National Highways’ Regional Control Centre, and other departments all working together.
“It is remarkable that the driver of the HGV was not more seriously injured, and other road users managed to escape unscathed.
“This incident had a rapid response and the scene was well managed by officers in dangerous motorway conditions, due to poor visibility and heavy rain.
“The recovery phase of the incident was hampered by poor weather and challenging terrain where the lorry had landed.
“Police, along with Highways and the specialist recovery agents, have been working all day to recover the vehicle and trailer which were completely destroyed and to repair the damaged railing on top of Thelwall Viaduct, focussing on ensuring safety and a return to normal on the M6 as soon as possible.
“We want to thank members of the public for their patience with the delays that have inevitably occurred as a result of the incident.”
An investigation into the cause of the collision on the M6 Thelwall Viaduct is ongoing and anyone with any relevant footage or information should contact Cheshire Police on 101, or through the Cheshire Police website, quoting IML-1929945.
