A lorry driver who plunged more than 60 feet from a motorway bridge is expected to be discharged from the hospital with minor injuries, according to police reports. The incident occurred on the northbound carriageway of the M6 at the Thelwall Viaduct in Cheshire, just before 7pm on Monday. Shocking dashcam footage captured the moment the heavy rain caused the HGV to crash through the barrier and plummet from the viaduct onto the embankment below. Despite the dramatic nature of the fall, the 56-year-old driver is fortunate to have escaped with no life-changing or life-threatening injuries.
Cheshire Police spokesperson commended the driver’s fortunate escape from serious harm in what could have been a calamitous accident. Following a swift response, the driver was taken to the hospital for assessment and is expected to be discharged soon with minor injuries. The M6 road was ultimately reopened on Tuesday afternoon after repairs were made to the damaged barrier, and authorities worked to clear the lorry from the embankment.
Inspector Anton Sullivan praised the coordinated efforts of emergency responders who managed the scene effectively amidst challenging motorway conditions exacerbated by poor visibility and heavy rainfall. The arduous recovery operation was hindered by adverse weather conditions and the difficult terrain where the lorry had landed. Authorities, in collaboration with Highways and specialist recovery teams, laboured tirelessly to retrieve the wrecked vehicle and trailer while restoring the barrier on Thelwall Viaduct to ensure the safety of the M6 motorists.
Firefighters bravely used specialized equipment to rescue the driver on the fateful evening, in addition to containing a fuel leak of approximately 1,000 litres from the HGV. An investigation into the circumstances leading to the collision is ongoing, urging anyone with relevant information to contact Cheshire Police through the designated channels quoting reference IML-1929945.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by road users and the critical role of swift emergency response in averting potential disasters. The collective efforts of the emergency services and recovery teams have been instrumental in restoring normalcy to the affected stretch of the motorway, ensuring the safety of all commuters. Public gratitude has been extended to the community for their understanding during the delays associated with the incident, as authorities continue their inquiries to ascertain the cause of the dramatic bridge fall.