Lorry crash sparks traffic chaos as cars left queueing for miles in major delays
Large sections of the M6 in Lancashire were closed on Monday after a lorry crashed through the central reservation near Preston. The driver was taken to hospital for treatment
17:36, 10 Mar 2025Updated 17:51, 10 Mar 2025
Emergency services at the scene of the horror crash(Image: National Highways)
A lorry driver[1] has been rushed to hospital after horror crash in which his HGV ploughed into the central reservation of a busy British motorway[2].
Shocking pictures show the aftermath of the crash[3] on the M6 near Preston, Lancs., between J31A for Longridge and J32 for the M55.
Article continues belowMiles of motorists can be seen stuck within the closure on the northbound carriageway ahead of rush-hour on Monday, with a lane also closed on the southbound carriageway of the motorway, which runs from the Midlands to the Scottish border.
The incident was first reported at around 1.10pm on Monday afternoon, with a full closure put in place.
Severe delays built throughout the afternoon as emergency crews worked at the scene, with congestion on the M55 and 85-minute delays on the M61 northbound, LancsLive reports[4].
The horror crash has caused traffic chaos(Image: National Highways)
National Highways says the HGV struck the central reservation, causing a 'large diesel spillage that is affecting all lanes of the carriageway' with motorists urged to find alternative routes where possible.
Lancashire Police confirmed the lorry driver, a man, was taken to hospital from the scene for treatment. Further details have not yet been confirmed.
A force spokesman said: "We received a report of an HGV colliding with the central reservation of the M6 between J31 and J32 at around 1pm today.
"A man is receiving treatment.
The Northbound carriageway, and two lanes of the southbound carriageway are closed."
Motorists face severe delays(Image: National Highways)Article continues below
In an updated statement, National Highways said on Monday evening: "There's now SEVERE delays and approx 3.5 miles of stationary traffic approaching the closure of the M6 northbound in Lancashire between J31 & J32 near Preston.
"Southbound there's also a 90 min delay and 8 miles of congestion due to the lane closure.
Consider alternate routes."
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References
- ^ lorry driver (www.dailystar.co.uk)
- ^ British motorway (www.dailystar.co.uk)
- ^ aftermath of the crash (www.dailystar.co.uk)
- ^ LancsLive reports (www.lancs.live)
- ^ here (www.dailystar.co.uk)