LIVE M56 updates as lane remains shut after lorry bursts into flames

A lane remains shut on the M56 this morning after a lorry burst into flames. Dramatic motorway camera pictures showed the HGV engulfed in flames last night (Wednesday), with the motorway fully shut off[1] as emergency crews responded. The Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the driver was ‘accounted for’ and was uninjured.

Closures remained in place on both sides of the M56 for several hours after the incident. In the early hours of this morning, the westbound side was fully reopened, according to Highways England. This morning, one lane remains closed on the eastbound side of the M56 between junction 14 for Helsby and junction 12 for Runcorn.

Lane one of three is shut. Follow our live blog below for the latest traffic updates throughout the morning. Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here[3] for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features.

1. ^ with the motorway fully shut off (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
2. ^ Armed duo burst into Morrisons store with crowbars before threatening staff and fleeing in Fiat 500 (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
3. ^ by clicking here (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
4. ^