A lorry has tragically plunged 60 metres from a bridge on the M6 motorway in Cheshire. The vehicle fell from the Thelwall Viaduct between junctions 20 and 21, crashing onto the embankment below, as reported by Cheshire Constabulary. Fortunately, the driver of the lorry is believed to have escaped with non-life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred at approximately 6:50 pm on Monday, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
Firefighters deployed rescue equipment to lower themselves down to reach the driver inside the wreckage. The Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service worked diligently to cool the lorry using water while successfully preventing a fuel leak of around 1,000 litres from the vehicle. Due to the damage sustained to the barrier, three lanes are expected to remain closed on the northbound carriageway until morning. One lane will be open with a reduced speed limit in place for traffic flow.
Police have advised motorists to avoid the affected area as the cleanup and investigation continue. The authorities are working to ensure the safety of all road users and manage the aftermath of this harrowing accident. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and alarming, with the lorry’s devastating fall drawing attention from passing drivers and emergency responders alike.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those working in the transportation industry and the importance of road safety measures. As the authorities manage the aftermath of this incident, efforts are underway to restore normalcy to the affected stretch of the M6. The community’s thoughts are with the driver of the lorry and all those involved in the response and recovery efforts following this tragic event on the motorway viaduct.