Lorry Driver Survives 60-Foot Plunge from M6 Viaduct in Cheshire
A lorry driver miraculously survived after his vehicle fell over 60 feet from the Thelwall Viaduct on the M6 in Cheshire. Emergency services rescued the driver and contained a fuel leak, causing significant traffic disruption.
In a remarkable incident on the M6 motorway in Cheshire, a lorry driver escaped with non-life-threatening injuries after his vehicle plunged more than 60 feet from the Thelwall Viaduct. The accident occurred on Monday, September 30, 2024, shortly after 6:50 PM, between junctions 20 and 21 of the motorway.
The Thelwall Viaduct, a 1,408-meter-long steel composite girder structure, is one of the longest motorway bridges in the UK. Opened in 1963 and widened in 1995, it carries the M6 motorway across the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Mersey. The M6, one of Britain's oldest and longest motorways, stretches from Catthorpe, Leicestershire, to the Scottish Border.
Cheshire Police responded to reports of the incident, arriving at the scene to find the lorry had landed on the embankment below the viaduct. Embankments are commonly used in road construction to provide level surfaces, and in this case, it may have helped cushion the vehicle's impact.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, established in 1974, played a crucial role in the rescue operation. Fire crews utilized specialized equipment to lower themselves to the driver, demonstrating the complex nature of such emergency responses.
The rescue team faced additional challenges as they worked to secure the crash site. Approximately 1,000 liters of fuel had leaked from the vehicle, a significant amount considering that large lorries typically have fuel tank capacities of 300-500 liters. To mitigate environmental risks, firefighters employed water to cool the lorry and used bunding techniques to contain the fuel spill. Bunding is a method frequently used to control leaks of hazardous substances.
The incident has caused substantial traffic disruption on the M6. As of the morning of October 1, 2024, three lanes on the northbound carriageway remain closed due to damage to the safety barrier. Authorities have implemented a reduced speed limit on the single open lane. National Highways, the organization responsible for operating, maintaining, and improving motorways in England, advised motorists to seek alternative routes.
The complex recovery and repair operation is now underway, with specialist crews on site. This incident highlights the importance of regular safety inspections and maintenance of motorway bridges, which are crucial for preventing such accidents.
It's worth noting that the UK has strict regulations on driving hours for lorry drivers to prevent fatigue-related incidents. However, the cause of this particular accident is yet to be determined.
As the recovery efforts continue, this event serves as a reminder of the potential dangers on our roads and the vital role of emergency services in responding to such incidents. The driver's survival, despite the severe nature of the crash, is nothing short of miraculous.
