Lucky escape for driver whose lorry plunged 60ft off viaduct

Road closures on the M6 were lifted on Tuesday afternoon (1 October) following the serious collision in Cheshire resulting from the lorry veering off the road and crashing on land under the bridge.

In an update, Cheshire police said the vehicle and trailer were completely destroyed, but the 56-year-old driver somehow escaped with minor injuries.

“This was a major operation right from the outset, utilising a multi-agency approach with colleagues from NWAS, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Highways, National Highways’ regional control centre and other departments all working together,” said the force’s inspector Anton Sullivan.

“It is remarkable that the driver of the HGV was not more seriously injured, and other road users managed to escape unscathed.

“This incident had a rapid response and the scene was well managed by officers in dangerous motorway conditions, due to poor visibility and heavy rain.

“The recovery phase of the incident was hampered by poor weather and challenging terrain where the lorry had landed.

“Police, along with Highways and the specialist recovery agents, have been working all day to recover the vehicle and trailer which were completely destroyed and to repair the damaged railing on top of Thelwall Viaduct, focussing on ensuring safety and a return to normal on the M6 as soon as possible.”

An investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing.