A lorry has plunged approximately 60 metres from the M6 motorway, near the Thelwall Viaduct, causing major disruption to traffic. The incident occurred on Monday evening at around 7pm, with emergency services rushing to the scene. Thankfully, the driver of the vehicle, the sole casualty, is believed to have sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service was among the first responders, deploying a significant force to the scene. Five fire engines from Warrington, Lymm, Middlewich, Chester and Powey Lane, along with a rescue boat from Warrington and an aerial appliance from Lymm, were deployed to the incident.

“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,” a spokesperson for the fire service said. “On arrival, they found that a HGV had left the carriageway and overturned on an embankment, falling approximately 60m. Crews used technical rescue equipment to lower themselves and reach the casualty, who was handed over to the care of attending paramedics.”

The fire service also confirmed that crews had applied water to cool the HGV and were using bunding to contain a leak of approximately 1,000 litres of bio-diesel from the fuel tanks of the vehicle.

The Aftermath: Road Closures and Traffic Disruptions

The incident resulted in the closure of multiple lanes on the northbound carriageway of the M6, leading to significant traffic delays. Three lanes remain closed due to severe damage caused to the barrier, with only one lane open, operating at a reduced speed.

Cheshire Police issued an advisory to motorists, urging them to avoid the area and seek alternative routes. They have also stated that the lane closures are likely to remain in place through Tuesday morning.

A Close Call: Driver’s Injuries and Rescue Efforts

The incident has highlighted the potential dangers of such accidents, emphasizing the importance of road safety. Despite the dramatic circumstances, The driver's fortunate escape from life-threatening injuries is a testament to the swift response of emergency services. The rescue operation involved the use of specialized equipment and expert personnel to successfully retrieve the driver from the overturned lorry.

The incident is currently under investigation, and authorities are working to determine the cause of the crash and implement preventative measures to ensure similar incidents are avoided in the future.

Community Response: A Collective Effort

The incident has resonated with the community, with residents expressing concern for the driver and offering well wishes for a speedy recovery. Social media platforms have been abuzz with updates and discussions surrounding the incident. Local news outlets have been providing regular updates on the situation, keeping the public informed.

As investigations continue and the aftermath of the incident unfolds, one thing remains clear: the lorry's plunge from the Thelwall Viaduct serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the dedication of emergency services who work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of the public.

Learning from Thelwall Viaduct: A Call for Action

The incident at Thelwall Viaduct has brought the issue of road safety into sharp focus. The crash underscores the importance of addressing factors that can contribute to such accidents, including driver fatigue, vehicle maintenance, and road conditions. The incident also highlights the need for robust emergency response systems and the vital role played by first responders in mitigating the impact of such incidents. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and a commitment to prioritizing road safety.