Live M6 updates as lorry plunges off Thelwall Viaduct

Fire crews use rescue equipment to save HGV driver as 1,000 litres of biodiesel leaks

Fire crews used specialist rescue equipment to save the HGV driver after the collision this evening. They have been rushed to hospital, but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening, police have said. Around 1,000 litres of biodiesel also spilled from the fuel tanks of the vehicle in the collision.

A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Firefighters were called to reports of a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) that had left the carriageway of the M6 northbound between Junction 20 and 21, close to the Thelwall Viaduct. “On arrival, they found that a HGV had left the carriageway and overturned on an embankment. Crews used technical rescue equipment to lower themselves and reach the casualty, who was handed over to the care of attending paramedics.

“Crews have applied water to cool the HGV and are using bunding to contain a leak of approximately 1000 litres of bio-diesel from the fuel tanks of the vehicle.

“While the carraigeway was fully closed, lanes one and two have been re-opened by Cheshire Police and the Highways Agency.”