This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/manchester/7207754.stm
The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 4 | Version 5 |
|---|---|
| Motorway reopens after van crash | Motorway reopens after van crash |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| The M6 motorway has reopened after a crash involving a van carrying gas canisters in Cheshire. | The M6 motorway has reopened after a crash involving a van carrying gas canisters in Cheshire. |
| The carriageway was closed, causing tailbacks of up to 30 miles (48km) after the crash between junction 18 at Holmes Chapel and 19 at Knutsford. | The carriageway was closed, causing tailbacks of up to 30 miles (48km) after the crash between junction 18 at Holmes Chapel and 19 at Knutsford. |
| Fire crews doused the canisters with water until they had cooled down to make sure they would not explode. | |
| The Highways Agency had feared the motorway may be shut for 24 hours, but it reopened at about 2000 GMT. | The Highways Agency had feared the motorway may be shut for 24 hours, but it reopened at about 2000 GMT. |
| Hundreds of vehicles were left gridlocked in both directions as motorists were directed off the carriageway along the A54 and the A556. | Hundreds of vehicles were left gridlocked in both directions as motorists were directed off the carriageway along the A54 and the A556. |
| Safety concern | Safety concern |
| A Cheshire Police spokesman said the northbound exit slip road at junction 19 would remain closed to help police with the recovery and clean-up. | A Cheshire Police spokesman said the northbound exit slip road at junction 19 would remain closed to help police with the recovery and clean-up. |
| He added: "I would like to thank the motorists for their patience during this period. | He added: "I would like to thank the motorists for their patience during this period. |
| "These actions were taken for the protection of the motoring public and their safety is our primary concern." | "These actions were taken for the protection of the motoring public and their safety is our primary concern." |
| It is understood the lorry struck a safety barrier but the driver was not injured. | It is understood the lorry struck a safety barrier but the driver was not injured. |