Warning after lorry plunges 60m from bridge

Rush-hour drivers have been warned to expect delays after a lorry plummeted 60 metres off a motorway bridge and overturned on the embankment below.

The lorry fell from Thelwall Viaduct on the M6 near Warrington, Cheshire, at about 18:50 BST on Monday.

Cheshire Police said the driver was not believed to have suffered any “life-threatening” injuries.

National Highways said two of the four northbound lanes remained closed on the viaduct, between junctions 20 and 21, and warned drivers to allow extra time.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters used specialist equipment to lower themselves down to reach the driver.

Crews used water to cool the lorry.

Bunding was used to contain a leak of about 1,000 litres of bio-diesel from the vehicle’s fuel tanks.

Police urged motorists to avoid the area following the incident.

National Highways said: “A complex repair operation is under way and will continue throughout [Tuesday] morning.”