A collision involving a van and a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) severely disrupted traffic on the M6 in Lancashire on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The incident prompted a complete northbound closure between junction 32 and junction 33, leading to massive travel delays for motorists across the region.
Details of the M6 Collision and Closures
The crash occurred during the early morning hours on the stretch between junction 32 for the M55 Broughton Interchange and junction 33 for the A6 Preston Lancaster Road, near Lancaster South and Garstang. According to initial reports from Lancashire Police and local media outlets, a heavy goods vehicle collided with the back of a van, resulting in significant roadside obstruction.
In addition to the full northbound shutdown, emergency services confirmed that one lane of the southbound carriageway was also closed to assist with recovery efforts, vehicle removal, and addressing a reported fuel spillage on the asphalt. Motorists passing the southbound section noted a jack-knifed container HGV and debris blocking lanes.
Severe Traffic Delays and Impact on Local Roads
AA Traffic Maps classified the resulting congestion as severe, reporting travel delays exceeding 50 minutes and continuing to rise as peak commuting hours progressed. Traffic monitoring systems recorded average vehicle speeds dropping to a crawl of just 5 mph on the affected northbound segments.
The gridlock extended far beyond the immediate crash site. Severe delays were reported further back on the M6 northbound between junction 31 at the A59 Preston New Road (Samlesbury) and junction 32, with congestion stretching back toward junction 31A for Longridge. Local routes also suffered heavily as drivers attempted to divert around the closure. Long delays built up for motorists travelling toward the M55 and M6 via Garstang Road in Fulwood.
Emergency Services Response
Lancashire Police and other emergency crews swiftly responded to the scene, working extensively to clear the wreckage and secure the highway. Despite the severity of the crash and the extensive damage to the vehicles involved, authorities confirmed that nobody sustained serious injuries.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police released a statement regarding the incident:
“The M6 is currently closed northbound between junctions 32 and 33 following a collision. One lane of the southbound carriageway is also shut. Emergency services are at the scene dealing with the incident and the closures may be on for some time. Please avoid the area if you can and choose an alternative route for your travel.”
Drivers were strongly urged to avoid the region entirely and seek alternative routes until recovery operations concluded and the lanes were deemed safe for public reopening.
Alternative Travel Advice for Motorists
With major arterial routes heavily congested, transportation authorities recommend the following steps for drivers navigating Lancashire:
- Check Live Updates: Monitor real-time traffic applications like National Highways or AA Traffic Maps before setting out on journeys near Preston and Lancaster.
- Use Designated Diversions: Follow signed diversion routes established by local highway authorities rather than relying solely on local backroads, which quickly became gridlocked.
- Delay Non-Essential Travel: Postpone trips passing through north Lancashire until the carriageway is fully cleared and normal traffic speeds resume.
