M6 lorry driver escapes with 'minor injuries' after falling off Thelwall Viaduct
The lorry smashed through the barriers and plunged 30 meters on to the ground below
Emergency services have been telling us about the dramatic rescue and remarkable escape of a lorry driver who plunged off the Thelwall Viaduct near Warrington.
It happened during the horrible weather yesterday evening, at around 6:50pm.
Rescue crews attended the scene and found a lorry had come off the carriageway and landed on the embankment 60ft below the bridge.
The driver of the lorry, a 56-year-old man, was taken to hospital and is set to be discharged with suspected minor injuries.
The lane closures on the northbound carriageway were lifted this afternoon (Tuesday 1 October) following repairs to the barrier and all lanes are now open.
Cheshire Police, assisted by recovery agents, worked to recover the lorry from the embankment below the carriageway and the vehicle has since been moved.
Inspector Anton Sullivan said:
“This was a major operation right from the outset, utilising a muti-agency approach with colleagues from NWAS, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Highways, National Highways’ Regional Control Centre, and other departments all working together.
“It is remarkable that the driver of the HGV was not more seriously injured, and other road users managed to escape unscathed.
“This incident had a rapid response and the scene was well managed by officers in dangerous motorway conditions, due to poor visibility and heavy rain.
“The recovery phase of the incident was hampered by poor weather and challenging terrain where the lorry had landed.
“Police, along with Highways and the specialist recovery agents, have been working all day to recover the vehicle and trailer which were completely destroyed and to repair the damaged railing on top of Thelwall Viaduct, focussing on ensuring safety and a return to normal on the M6 as soon as possible.
“We want to thank members of the public for their patience with the delays that have inevitably occurred as a result of the incident.”