Five casualties on M56 as car bursts into flames

The car went up in flames following a multi-car crash 20:40, 24 Mar 2024

The scene of the fire on the M56(Image: VJ Bennett)

A car burst into flames following a multi-vehicle crash on the M56.

Emergency services were called to the motorway at around 4pm on Sunday, March 24, after reports of the crash which included one vehicle that had caught fire. National Highways said all traffic was stopped eastbound on the motorway, between junction 14 for Hapsford and junction 12 for Runcorn.[1][2]

Photos showed smoke billowing down the carriageway.

Firefighters arrived to find one car well alight in the central reservation and a crash involving three vehicles.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews put out the blaze and a total of five casualties were given precautionary checks by paramedics. Police and the Highways Agency were also called to the scene, where delays of around 45 minutes and six miles of congestion were reported.

Firefighters left the scene at 4.55pm and handed over to the Highways Agency, who arranged for the vehicle in lane three to be recovered. In an update at 5.25pm, National Highways North West said: "This incident is now clear, and all lanes have re-opened on the #M56 eastbound in #Cheshire between J14 (#Hapsford) an J12 (#Runcorn).

"A 30 minute delay remains in the area but should now start to ease.

Thanks for your patience this afternoon."

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References

^ Emergency services (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^ Runcorn. (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
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^ Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)