Motorway closed after gallons of milk spill onto carriageway after tanker crash

02 July 2023 , 15:07

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Photos show the tanker on its side with its roof crumpled and caved in (Image: National Highways / SWNS)

Part of the M6 was closed today in both directions after gallons of milk spilled onto carriageway following a tanker crash.

The HGV ploughed through the central reservation of the motorway while travelling northbound at around 7am.

Police say it then crashed through into the southbound carriageway before overturning between junctions 31 for Preston, Lancashire, and junction 32 - the M55 link for the Blackpool area.

The male driver and his female passenger were injured and have been taken to hospital, Lancashire Police said. Their conditions are currently unknown.

Authorities shut the M6 in Lancashire after a tanker crash (National Highways / SWNS)

Pictures from the scene show the tanker on its side with its roof crumpled and caved in.

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Milk and diesel spilled across the carriageway and it was closed for several hours in both directions.

Speaking this morning, Chief Inspector Patrick Worden, of Lancashire Constabulary, said: "At this time we expect the motorway to be closed for some, if not most, of the day.

A large quantity of milk spilled onto the carriageway (National Highways / SWNS)

"The tanker needs to be recovered and due to the large scale milk and diesel spillage, the motorway surface treated appropriately.

"We expect this to cause significant delays and I would advise motorists to make plans for alternate routes."

Diversions were put in place and motorists heading to the Northwest of England and Scotland faced severe delays.

Bradley Jolly