Long delays after two lorries and car in M6 crash
Two lorries and a car were involved in the collision earlier today.
The M6 northbound has been blocked following the multi-vehicle collision, with delays between junction 23 (Haydock Island) and junction 22.
An air ambulance was sent to the scene following the crash.
One of the patients was airlifted to hospital while the other was taken by road.
There are traffic delays up to Lowton due to the closures in place.
A Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "MFRS attended an incident between J23 and J24 on the M6, Haydock, following reports of a road traffic collision (RTC).
"Crews were alerted at 12.25pm and two fire engines and the search and rescue team were on scene shortly after. Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) also attended.
"Crews arrived to find an RTC (road traffic collision) involving a car and two HGVs. The drivers of the HGVs were out on arrival, however the occupants of the car were trapped.
"Crews worked to remove the roof of the car and extracted the driver and passenger, both of which were conscious and breathing. Both casualties were transported to hospital for care.
"At 2.14pm crews handed the scene over to Merseyside Police and left."
A North West Ambulance spokesman added: "A man and woman were extracted from a car with the assistance of the fire service and taken to hospital.
"They both suffered major trauma-related injuries. One was taken to Aintree Hospital by road, and the other by helicopter."
Live traffic tracker INRIX stated as of just before 4pm: "M6 Northbound closed, queueing traffic due to accident, two lorries and a car involved from J22 A49 Winwick Link Road (Newton Le Willows) to J23 A580 East Lancashire Road (Haydock). Congestion to J21A (M62 Croft interchange).
"Traffic is also queuing through Winwick, Ashton-in-Makerfield and Lowton as drivers continue to avoid the motorway. On-going since around since around 12:30. An air ambulance is on scene. Southbound traffic has now been released. Trapped traffic is being released in the northbound direction."
National Highways said: "The M6 is closed between J22 and J23 (#HaydockIsland) due to a serious collision.
"Emergency services are en route, including the Air Ambulance."
Traffic has since been released on the southbound carriageway.
The #M6 in #GreaterManchester is closed between J22 and J23 (#HaydockIsland) due to a serious collision.
Emergency services are en route, including the Air Ambulance.
More information to follow soon. Thank you for your patience. pic.twitter.com/ZkbKZOLMAU
— National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) November 2, 2023