THE M56 was closed in both directions as fire crews tackled a blaze involving a large haulage vehicle causing significant amounts of black smoke.
At 19:38 two crews attended the incident on the M56 eastbound between junctions 12 (Runcorn) and 14 (Hapsford).
North West Fire Control received multiple reports of a fire involving the large goods vehicle on the hard shoulder of the M56. The fire caused a significant amount of thick smoke and crews requested that both carriageways be closed while they dealt with the incident.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reel water jets to tackle the blaze. Motorists were advised to avoid the area.
For the latest updates check the National Highways Twitter feed below.
The #M56 eastbound between J14 (#Hapsford) and J12 (#Runcorn), traffic has been STOPPED due to a lorry fire.
Lanes 2 and 3 (of 3) are also closed on the westbound carriageway.@NWmwaypolice, @CheshireFire and Traffic Officers are in attendance.
Delays building on approach. pic.twitter.com/lXZo182AwK
— National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) April 17, 2024