Both carriageways of the M6 are back open following earlier collision and chemical spill

UPDATE – Both carriageways of the M6 are back open.

From Earlier:

Southbound carriageway of the M6 is now open. Emergency services are working  to reopen northbound and release trapped traffic.

Emergency services remain in attendance at the scene of a collision on the M6 in Cheshire near to the Knutsford Service station.

The collision occurred shortly after 1.00pm today and involved a tanker and a lights goods vehicle.

The impact of the collision caused the tanker to rupture, which led to approximately 18,000 litres of fluid leaking onto the carriageway.

As a result the M6 was closed in both directions with motorists trapped in long the tailbacks.

The northbound carriageway remains from junctio 16 to junction 19 resulting in severe delays across the local network.

The southbound carriageway has reopened.

UPDATE: Cheshire Fire Service.

19:05 – ‘Firefighters, four in breathing apparatus, are using three main jets to apply water to the spilled liquid. The southbound carriageway of the M6 has been reopened by the Highways Agency.’

Picture Credit: @Cheshire_CVU

17:00 – ‘Both carriageways will remain closed until fire crews have checked the carriageway. The spillage is of chemical waste mixed with a large quantity of water. Tests are still being carried out.’

UPDATE: Cheshire Police.

Emergency services remain in attendance at the scene and are working hard to deal with the incident.

Following enquiries it has now been established that approximately 18,000 litres of fluid has leaked onto the carriageway.

@NPASHawarden bringing chemical scientist to scene on M6 at Knutsford to speed up investigation work. @NWmwaypolice @CheshireFire pic.twitter.com/3m4nqEKWfL

— Cheshire HGV Cops (@Cheshire_CVU) 8 September 2017

It has now been confirmed that there were two casualties as a result of the incident; they are not believed to have sustained serious injuries.

The M6 remains closed in both directions and officers are working hard at the scene to free motorists trapped in the tailbacks.

In addition the A5033 is also closed in both directions from the A556 to the A50, Manchester Road, Knutsford.

As a result of the collision there are severe delays across the Cheshire road network and motorists are advised to avoid all but essential travel.

Multi Agency Briefing in a fire service mobile command unit

UPDATE: Cheshire Fire Service.

‘Approximately 18,000 litres has leaked (possibly corrosive liquid) from the tanker and one casualty is in the hands of paramedics. The Environment Agency and Highways Agency are also in attendance.’

From Earlier:

There is currently a full road closure in place on the M6 in Cheshire following a collision.

The incident happened shortly after 1.05pm today, Friday 8 September when a tanker and a flatbed van collided between junction 18 and 19 on the northbound side.

The tanker is leaking corrosive liquid onto both sides of the carriageway and police expect the road to be closed for a lengthy period of time.

Cheshire Police says;

Officers were called to reports of a collision on the M6 between junction 18 and 19 northbound.

The incident involves a LGV and tanker.

Emergency services are on the scene, and there are not believed to be any injures. The HGV is leaking, and nearby cars are being evacuated as a precautionary measure.

There is currently a full road closure in place in both directions between junctions 18, Middlewich, and J19, Knutsford. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and find an alternative route if possible.

Command point re ongoing incident on M6 with @CheshireFire @CPTaskforce @NWmwaypolice @HighwaysNWEST pic.twitter.com/5O6gUCiAXS

— Cheshire HGV Cops (@Cheshire_CVU) September 8, 2017

Three fire engines are on scene and firefighters wearing gas tight suits are trying to contain liquid coming from the tanker.

Latest traffic report says:

M6 both ways closed, stationary traffic due to spillage and accident, two lorries involved between J18 A54 (Middlewich / Holmes Chapel) and J19 A556 (Knutsford), congestion on M6 to J15 A500 (Stoke-on-trent) and on M6 to J20 A50 / B5158 (Lymm Interchange).

In the roadworks area. The accident has happened on the Northbound carriageway, outside Knutsford Services.

Trapped traffic on the Northbound carriageway is in the process of being released, and all trapped traffic on the Southbound carriageway has been fully released. Diversion: Northbound traffic follow the hollow black triangle, Southbound traffic follow the solid black circle. .

@Signal1Official – traffic at a standstill in #Middlewich due to the closure of the M6 in #Cheshire pic.twitter.com/aHe6gFsIKg

— Simon Humphreys (@SimonHumphreys1) 8 September 2017