Dramatic moment HGV plunged 60ft off M6 Thewall Viaduct caught on camera
This was the dramatic moment a lorry plunged 60ft off the M6 Thelwall Viaduct. Police have released footage of the lorry as it ploughed through a barrier and plummeted on to the embankment below the bridge yesterday (September 30).
Miraculously the trucker - a 56-year-old man - is not believed to have suffered any life changing or life-threatening injuries. He was rescued by firefighters before being taken to hospital and is set to be discharged with suspected minor injuries.
Road closures have now been lifted on the M6 northbound stretch between junctions 20 and 21 in Cheshire following the collision, which happened as bad weather battered the region shortly after 6.50pm. They had been in place overnight due to serious damage caused to the motorway barrier.
READ MORE:Dramatic M6 photos as trucker rescued after HGV plummets 60ft off Thelwall Viaduct
READ MORE:M6 latest as 'complex operation' underway today after truck falls off Thelwall Viaduct
The lorry has now been recovered. Inspector Anton Sullivan, of Cheshire Police, said: “This was a major operation right from the outset, utilising a multi-agency approach with colleagues from NWAS, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Highways, National Highways’ Regional Control Centre, and other departments all working together.
“It is remarkable that the driver of the HGV was not more seriously injured, and other road users managed to escape unscathed. This incident had a rapid response and the scene was well managed by officers in dangerous motorway conditions, due to poor visibility and heavy rain.
“The recovery phase of the incident was hampered by poor weather and challenging terrain where the lorry had landed.
“Police, along with Highways and the specialist recovery agents, have been working all day to recover the vehicle and trailer which were completely destroyed and to repair the damaged railing on top of Thelwall Viaduct, focussing on ensuring safety and a return to normal on the M6 as soon as possible.
“We want to thank members of the public for their patience with the delays that have inevitably occurred as a result of the incident.”
An investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing and anyone with any relevant footage or information should contact Cheshire Police on 101, or through the Cheshire Police website, quoting IML-1929945.