Huge rescue operation as lorry falls off motorway bridge

A lorry has fallen off a motorway bridge prompting a huge rescue operation. The HGV crashed through the barrier, landing on the ground below. Police and fire crews remain at the scene with a full closure in place.

The incident took place off the Thelwall Viaduct on the M6 near Warrington this evening. The motorway is closed on the northbound carriageway between junction 20 of Lymm Interchange and junction 21 for the A57.

Drivers have been asked to "avoid the area" by Cheshire Police, with "significant damage" caused to barriers at the scene. It is understood the driver of the lorry has been rescued and rushed to hospital from the scene, the Manchester Evening News reports.

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A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: "Shortly after 6.50pm on Monday, September 30, police were called to reports of an incident on the M6 northbound at Thelwall Viaduct, between junction 20 and 21. Officers attended the scene and found a lorry had come off the carriageway and landed on the embankment below the bridge.

"The driver of the lorry is not believed to have suffered any life-threatening injuries. Three lanes remain closed on the northbound carriageway due to serious damage caused to the barrier. One lane will remain open with a reduced speed limit. These lane closures will remain in place for some time, and are expected to continue into the morning. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and find an alternative route during this time."

The Cheshire Fire & Rescue also posted an update on the incident, reporting: "Firefighters were called to reports of a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) that had left the carriageway of the M6 northbound between Junction 20 and 21, close to the Thelwall Viaduct. On arrival, they found that a HGV had left the carriageway and overturned on an embankment, falling approximately 60 metres. Crews used technical rescue equipment to lower themselves and reach the casualty, who was handed over to the care of attending paramedics. Crews have applied water to cool the HGV and are using bunding to contain a leak of approximately 1000 litres of bio-diesel from the fuel tanks of the vehicle. While the carriageway was fully closed, lanes one and two have since been re-opened by Cheshire Police and the Highways Agency."

They later added that: "Crews are now bringing operational activities to a close and are starting to leave the scene, handing over the incident to partner agencies."