A dramatic incident occurred as a lorry fell off a motorway bridge, leading to road closures and significant travel disruptions. The incident took place on the Thelwall Viaduct, a bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Mersey in Lymm, Warrington, Cheshire. The lorry reportedly crashed through a barrier on the bridge before plummeting to the ground below, resulting in road closures and massive traffic delays.
Emergency services, including police and fire crews, swiftly responded to the scene, with part closures on the M6 motorway put in place to manage the situation. Images from the aftermath show the severely damaged vehicle on the embankment under the motorway, with smoke billowing from the crash site. Fortunately, the driver was rescued and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The collision also led to a spill of around 1,000 litres of biodiesel from the lorry’s fuel tanks. As a result, three lanes on the northbound carriageway of the M6 were closed due to significant damage to the barrier, while one lane remained open with a reduced speed limit. Cheshire Police issued a warning that the lane closures would be in effect for an extended period.
The Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service reported that firefighters utilized specialized rescue equipment to reach the driver and provide assistance. Meanwhile, Cheshire Police confirmed that the incident necessitated the closure of three lanes on the northbound carriageway, with only one lane operational at a reduced speed. They advised motorists to find alternative routes due to the anticipated ongoing lane closures.
The authorities are investigating the cause of the lorry falling from the bridge and the circumstances surrounding the collision. It serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the swift response of emergency services in handling such incidents to ensure the well-being of all involved.