A lorry burst into flames on the M6 on Tuesday night (January 7), before emergency crews raced to the scene. The incident erupted on the northbound carriageway, near Charnock Richard services and junction 28.
Dashcam footage shared on social media showed the HGV well alight as cars drove past the scene. Two lanes are closed while police and fire crews deal with the incident.
The blaze, which has also caused damage to the road, was reported at around 7.30pm – with two lanes remaining shut to traffic as of 9pm. Police, the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and highways officers were called to the scene.
On social media, one motorist said: “I passed this about 7:30. [The] cab was well ablaze and dripping molten stuff into lane one,” as another said: “My daughter is in the traffic jam. Said moving everyone from inside lane slowly. It’s pretty much at a stand still.”
In a statement online, Lancashire Police said: “Please be aware before travelling. We have a partial motorway closure on the M6 Northbound, between Charnock Richard services, up to Junction 28.
“This is due to a vehicle fire and damage to the road surface. Both lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. This will result in slow moving traffic, please take care when driving and find alternative routes before travel. Thank you.”
The force has been contacted for further details.
In an update shortly after 9pm, Inrix, the traffic data company, said: “Two lanes closed due to vehicle fire on M6 Northbound from J27 A5209 Crow Orchard Road (Standish) to J28 B5256 Leyland Way (Leyland).”