Motorists are facing 12-mile queues and massive delays following a horror crash. (Image: Cheshire Police)
A five-lorry crash on the M6 has left one person seriously injured and caused 15 miles of tailbacks after three lanes of the busy motorway were closed.
The smash happened at about 4.30am today near Knutsford, on the northbound carriageway, between junctions 18 and 19 at Sproston Green and Tabley Hill, in Cheshire.
Three lanes of the motorway were closed, with motorists urged to avoid the area as National Highways began work to recover the five lorries and clear up diesel fuel and hydraulic and engine oil spilt across the lanes.
A spokesman for National Highways added: "The carriageway will also need to be inspected for damage and potentially repaired before it can be fully reopened. Lanes are likely to remain closed throughout the morning while this work takes place."
No one was trapped in the incident, although police said one person was taken to Royal Stoke Hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries.
There were queues of up to 15 miles with delays of at least three hours as of midday.
The vehicles have now been cleared but police warn there will be disruptions for the rest of the day.
This live blog has now closed.
Charlie Bradley
Drivers warned there will be disruption for the rest of today - vehicles have now been recovered
Cheshire Police say that the vehicles have been recovered but drivers on the M6 can expect disruption for the rest of today.
One lane remains open.
A force spokesperson added: "Highways are working to complete the work as quickly as possible, however the lane closures are expected to remain in place throughout rush hour and into the evening.
Therefore, police are continuing to urge motorists to avoid the area if possible."
Charlie Bradley
Two lanes now open but there is now 15 miles of congestion
Two lanes have been reopened on the northbound carriageway, but temporary closures will be put back in place to recover the vehicles.
National Highways also says there is 15 miles of congestion.
Recovery is ongoing.
Charlie Bradley
Delays of three hours
National Highways says there are now delays of three hours.
\u2014 National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) June 4, 20243 lanes (of 4) remain closed on the #M6 northbound between J18 (Holmes Chapel) and J19 (Tabley) for complex recovery and clear up works following the earlier collision.
We're reporting delays on approach of at least 3 hours; consider alternate routes.https://t.co/oszhkj4m66 pic.twitter.com/HZfwAgpesg
Charlie Bradley
National Highways warns of long delays
National Highways is advising drivers to take alternative routes as long delays are to be expected.
M6 northbound between j18 and j19 will only have one lane running for the next few hours while vehicles are recovered and road cleaned, again try and find an alternative route. pic.twitter.com/xoTwsMj3uv
\u2014 North West Motorway Police (@NWmwaypolice) June 4, 2024
Charlie Bradley
More images from the scene of the crash
Images show the extent of the damage caused by the crash.
M6 northbound between j18 and j19 will only have one lane running for the next few hours while vehicles are recovered and road cleaned, again try and find an alternative route. pic.twitter.com/xoTwsMj3uv
\u2014 North West Motorway Police (@NWmwaypolice) June 4, 2024
Charlie Bradley
Picture from the scene after the huge crash involving five lorries
Images show the severely damaged lorries that caused the long queues on the M6.
The lorries were involved in the crash (Image: Cheshire Police)
Charlie Bradley
One person seriously injured after crash
Police say one person is seriously injured and has been taken to Royal Stoke Hospital. The injuries are not life-threatening.
Charlie Bradley
Queues now 12 miles according to reports
The queues are getting longer on the M6.
\u2014 National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) June 4, 2024We're now reporting delays in excess of 90 minutes on the #M6 northbound between J18 (Holmes Chapel) and J19 (Tabley).
Complex recovery and clear up works remain ongoing, with traffic passing the scene in 1 lane (of 4) only.
Further info here: https://t.co/oszhkj4m66 pic.twitter.com/dZDh6Xzfob
Charlie Bradley
Vehicle recovery underway - Traffic taking nearly two hours to clear
The vehicle recovery is underway in Knutsford as cars are forced to sit in traffic for over an hour and a half.
National Highways says drivers are facing "delays of 45 minutes above usual journey times."
But Inrix says the queues are taking one hour and 50 minutes to clear.
A map of the stretch of M6 effected (Image: Google Maps)
Charlie Bradley
Traffic queue now at 6km
There is now a four-mile line of traffic as motorists are held so that the road can be cleared.
Just to update motorists, there is still a lane 1, 2 and 3 closure J18 to 19 M6 Northbound due to a collision. There is one lane open past the scene but there are approximately 6km of tailbacks at this time, which are likely to increase as we approach rush hour. pic.twitter.com/fbo9v3IIh9
\u2014 North West Motorway Police (@NWmwaypolice) June 4, 2024
Charlie Bradley
Pictures show huge build up of traffic on the M6
Images from road cameras show traffic at a standstill as emergency services try to clear the road.
Traffic building up on the M6 (Image: Getty)
Charlie Bradley
Traffic building on M6 near Knutsford after big crash
Traffic is building northbound on the M6 near Knutsford after a crash involving five lorries.
Three lanes are closed as emergency services arrive on scene to respond.
Charlie Bradley
M6 Traffic LIVE updates
Good morning. You can hear all of the latest developments from the M6 in this live blog. Follow here for updates on traffic and other news.
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