Cheshire: Lorry falls 60 metres off M6 at Thelwall Viaduct

Emergency services dealt with a major incident on the M6 northbound near the Thelwall Viaduct after a lorry plunged off the carriageway on Monday evening.

Cheshire Police were called to the scene shortly after 6.50pm following reports of a collision between junctions 20 and 21.

On arrival, officers discovered that a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) had left the motorway, falling approximately 60 metres off the bridge and landing on the embankment below.

Fortunately, the driver of the lorry did not sustain life-threatening injuries and was rescued by Cheshire Fire Service.

A team of five fire engines from Warrington, Lymm, Middlewich, Chester, and Powey Lane, along with a rescue boat and aerial appliance, were deployed to the scene.

Firefighters used specialised technical equipment to lower themselves to the vehicle and successfully retrieved the driver, who was then handed over to paramedics for medical care.

In addition to the rescue operation, fire crews are working to manage a significant fuel leak from the overturned vehicle.

Approximately 1,000 litres of bio-diesel spilled from the HGV’s fuel tanks, prompting crews to apply water for cooling and use bunding to contain the leak.

As a result of the incident, three lanes on the northbound carriageway remain closed due to severe damage to the barrier.

Only one lane is currently open, with traffic moving at a reduced speed.

Cheshire Police have advised motorists to avoid the area, warning that the closures are likely to remain in place through Tuesday morning.

Latest traffic report for that (7am Tuesday)

Two lanes closed and slow traffic due to emergency barrier repairs and earlier accident, a lorry involved on M6 Northbound from J20 M56 J9 (Lymm Interchange) to J21 A57 Manchester Road (Woolston). Lanes three and four (Of four) are closed. Complex recovery work of the lorry will be taking place throughout the morning.