M57 traffic LIVE: Motorway closed overnight after car ‘left the motorway and caught fire’

A "serious" crash has closed the M57 [1] with reports of a car catching fire and multiple emergency services in attendance earlier this evening. Drivers were stuck in gridlocked traffic as rescuers attended the scene, traffic management system Inrix reported. There were tailbacks on the M57 northbound from J2 A57 Liverpool Road (Prescot) and J3 A526 Seth Powell Way (Stockbridge Village).

The National Highways agency warned that the closure is expected to remain in place for several hours, upgrading their warning later to say it would be closed overnight. They added that all emergency services [2] had been in attendance. Traffic site Inrix says: "M57 Northbound closed, severe delays due to vehicle fire between J2 A57 Liverpool Road (Prescot) and J3 A526 Seth Powell Way (Stockbridge Village).

Congestion to J1 (Tarbock Island) as traffic detours through Huyton." Our live blog has now closed

20:02Joe Smith

Motorway will remain closed overnight

The M57 motorway will remain closed in both directions this evening after a car left the carriageway and caught fire in a serious crash. Emergency services were called shortly after 3pm today (Tuesday, September 10) to reports of a single-vehicle collision on the northbound side of the M57 near junction 3 in Knowsley.

18:57Joe Smith

Local council issues statement

Knowsley Council has issued a statement: "The M57 is closed in both directions between Junction 2 (Prescot/Huyton) and Junction 3 due to a serious collision.

"It is likely that the motorway will be closed for the rest of the evening. "Motorists are advised to avoid the area and find an alternative route."

18:07Joe Smith

Pictures show tailbacks and police at the scene

Both sides of M57 closed due to an accident #M57 find alternative route pic.twitter.com/JhLvt3dXkE [3][4]

-- SA (@Stavcy2005) September 10, 2025 [5]17:20KEY EVENT

Car left motorway and 'burst into flames'

The closure of the M57 has been closed in both directions due to a vehicle fire. Emergency services rushed to the scene after a car left the motorway and caught fire.

Rescuers were called shortly after 3pm today, September 10, following reports of a single vehicle collision on the M57 in Knowsley. First responders arrived at the scene to find a car had left the motorway and caught fire on the northbound carriageway close to junction 3. The condition of the driver or any passengers has not yet been confirmed.

An air ambulance was seen landing at the scene, alongside multiple fire engines, ambulances, and police vehicles. A spokesperson for Merseyside Police added: "Road closures are in place and motorists are advised to avoid the area while the matter is being dealt with. "Further updates will be issued once available."

17:05KEY EVENT

Vehicle fire sees motorway closed in both directions

In an update, Inrix said: "M57 in both directions closed, severe delays due to vehicle fire between J2 A57 Liverpool Road (Prescot) and J3 A526 Seth Powell Way (Stockbridge Village).

"Congestion to J1 (Tarbock Island) and routes through Huyton as traffic diverts." The closure is expected to remain in place throughout the evening.

16:30KEY EVENT

'Strategic closures' in place as police lead response

National Highways have said: "The M57 is closed in both directions between J2 (Prescot) and J3 (Knowsley) due to a serious collision. "Merseyside police are leading the response at this stage with National Highways Traffic Officers and contractors assisting with strategic closures on the approach."

16:27KEY EVENT

Road expected to remain closed 'throughout the evening'

Motorists on the M57 have reported traffic is currently at a standstill.

The road is expected to 'remain closed throughout the evening', according to National Highways.

16:22Joe Smith

Huge emergency services presence at scene

According to motorists on the M57, there are a huge number of fire engines, ambulances and police vehicles in attendance.

16:22Joe Smith

Diversion route SOUTHBOUND

Follow the solid circle diversion symbol:

Exit the M57 south at J3.
At the M57 J3/A526 roundabout, take the second exit onto the A526 south (Seth Powell Way) and follow for 1.5 miles.
At the A526/A57 Jct, turn left onto the A57 east (Liverpool Road) and follow for 1 mile.
At the A57/M57 J2 western roundabout, take third exit on to A57 east (Liverpool Road) and follow for 0.5 miles.
At the A57/M57 J2 eastern roundabout, take the first exit to rejoin the M57 southbound.

16:21Joe Smith

Diversion route NORTHBOUND

Follow the hollow diamond diversion symbol:

Exit at J2 and take the 2nd exit off the roundabout onto the the A57 westbound and follow for approx 1.5 miles.
At the A57/A526 Jct, turn right onto the A526 northbound and follow for approx.

1 mile.
At the A526/M57 J3 roundabout, take the 2nd exit to rejoin the M57 northbound at J3.

References

^ closed the M57 (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ emergency services (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ #M57 (twitter.com)
^ pic.twitter.com/JhLvt3dXkE (t.co)
^ September 10, 2025 (twitter.com)