Police close M56 in Warrington following crash between lorry and car

The incident happened on M56 westbound between junction 9, Lymm, and junction 10, Stretton.

It involved a car and a lorry – which overturned on its side as a result of the crash.

Both vehicles were also on fire.

The driver of the HGV, a man, is being treated at the scene after sustaining a serious injury to his ankle while the driver of the car, a woman, has been taken to hospital.

A large emergency service presence including police, fire, and ambulance is at the scene and the carriageway has been closed.

An air ambulance has also been called to the incident.

There are huge delays in the area following the crash with traffic stretching back both ways, including to Hatton and Preston Brook.

Long delays are being reported across south Warrington including Stockton Heath and Grappenhall.

National Highways North West said that traffic held on the eastbound is now being released past the scene via lane one and the hard shoulder.

“It is understood that the westbound carriageway will be closed for a considerable amount of time,” a spokesperson for Cheshire Fire and Rescue said.

A Cheshire Police spokesperson added: “At around 3pm today, police were called to reports of a collision on M56 between junction 9 and junction 10.

“Officers in attendance found that the collision involved a HGV and a car.

“The driver of the HGV, a man, is believed to have sustained a serious injury to his ankle and is being treated by paramedics.

“The driver of the car, a woman, is not believed to have sustained any serious injuries and has been taken to hospital for further checks.

“The road is currently closed in both directions and motorists are advised to avoid the area.”