Driver dies in motorway collision

 

The M6 Motorway in Cheshire remains closed following a serious collision earlier this evening.

The collision was reported at 1730 hours on Monday 9 January 2012, and involved two Heavy Good Vehicles. One of these vehicles has come to rest in a ditch, the other has jacknifed across the three lanes of the southbound carriageway. Neither vehicle is carrying any cargo of note.

Following the collision, the M6 was closed between Junction 16 (Barthomley) and Junction 18 (Holmes Chapel) on the southbound carriageway. Tailbacks remain from the scene of the collision, and there is congestion in the surrounding areas.

Two lanes of the northbound carriageway at the scene of the collision (Lanes 2 and 3 ) have been temporarily closed to facilitate the work of the emergency services. However, the southbound closure is likely to continue for some hours yet, and motorists are advised to find an alternative route.

One of the HGV drivers was trapped in his vehicle following the collision, before being released. He was tended by paramedics at the scene, but sadly died shortly after the collision. The deceased is a man who was driving a foreign registered vehicle, and enquiries are ongoing to identify him and locate his next of kin.

The other lorry driver was not injured, and there were no other casualties.

Police are appealing for witnesses, and are keen to hear from anybody who may have seen anything of relevance, or have any information, which may assist the collision investigator in determining what has caused the crash. If you can assist, please contact the North West Police Motorway Group on the police non emergency number - 101 - quoting incident 669 of 9/01/2012.