National Highways was carrying out “complex repairs” between junctions 20 and 21 of the M6 this morning after a lorry veered off the road last night, and plunged 60ft onto the embankment below the Thelwall Viaduct.

The incident, which happened at around 6.50pm yesterday, saw emergency services race to the scene to rescue the lorry driver, who miraculously sustained no “life-threatening injuries”, according to Cheshire Police.

National Highways said today it is co-ordinating a specialist recovery operation for the lorry.

Meanwhile two northbound lanes remained closed this morning with drivers being warned of delays in the area, as repairs are carried out to the barriers.

In a statement issued last night, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said five fire engines, a helicopter and a rescue boat were dispatched to the scene of the accident, with firefighters battling to prevent the leak of fuel from the truck.

It added: “On arrival, they found that a HGV had left the carriageway and overturned on an embankment, falling over 60ft.

“Crews used technical rescue equipment to lower themselves and reach the casualty, who was handed over to the care of attending paramedics.

“Crews have applied water to cool the HGV and are using bunding to contain a leak of approximately 1,000 litres of bio-diesel from the fuel tanks of the vehicle.”

Thelwall viaduct incident

Cheshire Polce added: “Officers attended the scene and found a lorry had come off the carriageway and landed on the embankment below the bridge.

“The driver of the lorry is not believed to have suffered any life-threatening injuries.”

Three lanes of the northbound carriageway remained closed this morning due to serious damage caused to the barrier.

One lane will remain open with a reduced speed limit.

Cheshire Police said: “These lane closures will remain in place for some time, and are expected to continue into the morning.

“Motorists are advised to avoid the area and find an alternative route during this time.”

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