A lorry has fallen more than 60 feet from a bridge on the M6 in Cheshire. The vehicle plummeted from the Thelwall Viaduct between junctions 20 and 21, landing on the embankment below, Cheshire Constabulary said. The driver of the lorry is not believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries. The incident happened at around 6.50 pm on Monday. Fire crews used rescue equipment to lower themselves to the trapped driver. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service used water to cool the lorry and stopped a leak of around 1,000 litres of fuel from the vehicle. Three lanes are expected to remain closed on the northbound carriageway until the morning due to the damage caused to the barrier, the force said. One lane will remain open with a reduced speed limit. Police have advised motorists to avoid the area.
The Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service was quick to respond to the emergency, ensuring that the driver of the fallen lorry received assistance. The brave actions of the rescue crews in accessing the driver and dealing with the fuel leak exemplify their dedication and professionalism in such critical situations. Despite the dramatic fall, the driver miraculously escaped life-threatening injuries.
The closure of three lanes on the M6 northbound carriageway will undoubtedly cause traffic disruptions, with only one lane open under a reduced speed limit. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid delays in the affected area. The safety measures taken by authorities highlight the importance of prompt responses to incidents on motorways to prevent further accidents or harm to individuals.
Efforts to secure the damaged barrier and clear the scene will be ongoing, emphasising the collaborative work of emergency services and highway authorities in maintaining road safety. As investigations into the cause of the lorry’s fall continue, it serves as a reminder of the potential dangers faced by drivers on busy motorways. The incident underscores the significance of adherence to safety regulations and measures while navigating such critical transportation routes.