A severe crash resulting in a vehicle fire forced the complete closure of the M6 motorway in both directions late Sunday evening, causing major disruptions for commuters traveling across Merseyside and Greater Manchester.
National Highways confirmed that the emergency closure affects the busy stretch of the motorway between Junction 23 for Newton-le-Willows and Junction 24 for Ashton-in-Makerfield. The sudden incident brought traffic completely to a standstill.
Emergency Services Respond to Motorway Vehicle Fire
According to National Highways, the collision occurred at 22:30 BST on Sunday. The impact of the crash triggered a vehicle fire, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.
Personnel from the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and the North West Motorway Police rushed to the scene to tackle the blaze and manage the unfolding traffic crisis. Due to the severity of the incident and subsequent safety checks, the motorway remained shut overnight.
Impact on Travel and Diversion Routes
The closure spans across two regional boundaries, with Junction 23 located in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, and Junction 24 situated in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Greater Manchester. Because both northbound and southbound carriageways were locked down, motorists found themselves trapped in long queues overnight.
National Highways implemented local diversion routes to help clear trapped traffic, though severe delays are anticipated to bleed well into the Monday morning commute. Officials have advised drivers to avoid the area entirely and allow extra time for their journeys while recovery and investigation work continues at the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the M6 closed?
The M6 is closed due to a serious vehicle collision and a resulting vehicle fire that required emergency intervention.
Which junctions are affected by the M6 closure?
The closure impacts the section of the motorway between Junction 23 (Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside) and Junction 24 (Ashton-in-Makerfield, Greater Manchester).
Are both directions of the motorway closed?
Yes, National Highways confirmed that both northbound and southbound carriageways are shut to traffic.
Which emergency services attended the scene?
Merseyside Fire and Rescue and the North West Motorway Police attended the incident to extinguish the fire and manage traffic safety.
When did the crash happen?
The collision occurred at 22:30 BST on Sunday.
