Thelwall Viaduct horror: M6 travel chaos as lorry plunges 60ft leaving miles of traffic

Motorists have been warned of travel chaos on the M6 after a lorry plunged 60ft off a bridge in a horror accident sparking miles of traffic.

The horrifying incident happened when the lorry plummeted from the Thelwall Viaduct and crash-landed on the ground beneath on Monday night. Police and firefighters rushed to the scene and rescued the driver after the terrifying fall at around 6.50pm. The driver is believed to have not suffered any life-threatening injuries.

The latest pictures from the crash site showed a seriously wrecked vehicle lying on the embankment beneath the motorway. The motorway was fully closed on the northbound carriageway between J20 for Lymm Interchange and J21 for the A57 last night. On Tuesday, it was reported that only two lanes are in operation on the busy motorway.

READ MORE: Thelwall Viaduct accident: Lorry falls off M6 as motorway closed and major travel delays

In an updated statement, National Highways confirmed that a "complex repair operation" is now underway to fix the bridge. The company said: "A complex repair operation is underway and will continue throughout the morning. Expect delays into the morning peak. Allow extra time."

North West Motorway Police issued an update on Twitter. They said: "A late good morning from A block, here with you throughout the day, if out and about take care of yourselves, we still only have 2 lanes running on Threlfall Viaduct, M6" A Cheshire Fire and Rescue spokesman earlier said: "[Crews] found that a HGV had left the carriageway and overturned on an embankment, falling over 60 feet.

"Crews used technical rescue equipment to lower themselves and reach the casualty, who was handed over to the care of attending paramedics. Crews have applied water to cool the HGV and are using bunding to contain a leak of approximately 1000 litres of bio-diesel from the fuel tanks of the vehicle."

Drivers have been told to add additional time to their travel plans on Tuesday. National Highways added on Twitter: "Please allow extra journey time if travelling on the #M6 north this morning as 2 lanes (of 4) remain closed between J20 #Lymm and J21 #Warrington Delays of 60 minutes and approx. 6 miles congestion approaching #ThelwallViaduct Specialist recovery crews are now arriving at scene."