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M6 Traffic Chaos: Motorway Closure Continues as Environmental Risks Investigated
A major section of the M6 motorway remains crippled by severe delays following a serious vehicle fire that broke out early Friday morning.
Emergency services have been stationed on the northbound carriageway between junction 18 (Middlewich) and junction 19 (Knutsford) since approximately 7:35 a.m. today. While crews have spent hours battling the blaze and managing the aftermath, the incident continues to cause significant disruption for motorists.
As of 3:00 p.m., a large-scale emergency response remains active at the scene. Authorities have issued a warning to nearby residents, advising them to keep all doors and windows closed as a precaution against smoke and fumes.
Environmental Concerns
The situation has escalated beyond a standard traffic incident, requiring a multi-agency response involving the police, fire service, paramedics, and the Environment Agency.
Officials are currently conducting a detailed investigation into potential environmental contamination. There is growing concern that a substantial volume of "fire water runoff"—water used by firefighters to extinguish the blaze—has infiltrated the motorway’s drainage system. The Environment Agency confirmed that this runoff poses a potential risk to the River Dane and surrounding brooks.
"Our site controllers were quickly on the scene and working alongside Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service," an Environment Agency spokesperson stated. "Our team is helping monitor the runoff and investigate for any further environmental damage."
Lingering Delays
The incident has caused massive tailbacks throughout the day. At the height of the disruption, commuters faced delays of up to 100 minutes. While the situation has seen slight improvements by mid-afternoon, drivers are still being warned of 75-minute delays and roughly seven miles of congestion.
Authorities are continuing to urge motorists to avoid the area where possible and to plan their journeys accordingly as recovery and environmental assessments remain ongoing.
