M6 Traffic Today: Northbound Closure After Van-Lorry Crash and Vehicle Fire Causes Major Delays – Check Affected Junctions, Diversion Routes & Latest Updates

M6 Traffic Today: The M6 motorway in the North West of England faced major disruption on Monday morning, October 19, after a collision between a van and a lorry triggered a vehicle fire late on Sunday night. The crash forced authorities to shut both carriageways between Junction 23 at Newton-le-Willows and Junction 24 at Ashton-in-Makerfield. National Highways reopened the southbound carriageway at around 7:30 a.m., but the northbound side remained closed for a police investigation, vehicle recovery and emergency resurfacing work.

Officials warned that drivers could face delays of around 60 minutes and confirmed that they had no estimated reopening time for the affected northbound stretch. 

M6 Traffic Today

The M6 northbound carriageway remains closed between Junction 23 and Junction 24 following the serious collision and vehicle fire. The closure affects motorists travelling through Merseyside and Greater Manchester, including those heading towards Wigan and destinations further north.

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National Highways confirmed that emergency services attended the incident and that the southbound carriageway reopened at approximately 7:30 a.m. However, northbound traffic continues to face disruption as authorities complete the investigation and arrange recovery work. 

M6 Traffic Today: What Happened?

The collision occurred shortly before 10 p.m. BST on Sunday, October 18, between Junction 23 at Newton-le-Willows and Junction 24 at Ashton-le-Makerfield. A van and a lorry collided, and the incident caused a vehicle fire.

Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and the North West Motorway Police Group attended the scene. National Highways traffic officers also helped manage the closure and divert vehicles away from the affected section.

Police launched a collision investigation, forcing officials to close the motorway in both directions overnight. The southbound carriageway reopened in the morning, but the northbound side remained shut as teams prepared to recover the vehicles and assess damage to the road surface. 

M6 Crash Today: Casualties & Injuries

Authorities have not confirmed the number of people injured in the collision or provided details about the condition of those involved in the crash in the reports available.