Hawarden based Police helicopter flies casualty to hospital following a serious collision involving a minibus on the M56

A collision involving a minibus has closed the eastbound carriageway of the M56 between junctions 10 and 11 close near Hatton on Friday evening.

The incident happened on the eastbound side of the motorway, both carriageways were initially closed however the westbound – towards Wales reopened once debris had been cleared by Highways Agency officers.

The Police helicopter from Hawarden was called to the scene to assist with transporting a casualty to hospital. 

06/03/15 21:40 M56 Hatton assist at serious RTC with a casualty evacuation to Wythenshawe hospital.

— NPAS Hawarden (@NPAS_Hawarden) March 7, 2015

Cheshire Fire Service spokesperson said:

“Shortly after 9pm the Service was called to reports of a road traffic collision involving a minibus with a number of people trapped on the M56  eastbound between junctions 11 and 10.

On arrival crews found a minibus on its side in the middle of the motorway with several passengers trapped and a number of walking wounded.

Police, ambulance and the HART team also attended. Firefighters cut free one casualty who was then taken to hospital in the police helicopter before rescuing a further three people from the vehicle.

Police closed the M56 in both directions while emergency services dealt with the incident although the westbound has since been reopened. Crews left the incident shortly after 10pm”

The carriageway isn’t expected to reopen until the early hours of Saturday morning.