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Propane tanker fire shuts M56 motorway near Chester Propane tanker fire shuts M56 motorway near Chester
(35 minutes later)
A tanker carrying propane gas has caught fire, shutting the M56 motorway near Chester, with trains and air travel also affected.A tanker carrying propane gas has caught fire, shutting the M56 motorway near Chester, with trains and air travel also affected.
Firefighters are tackling the lorry fire, which started just before 15:00 BST on the westbound carriageway.Firefighters are tackling the lorry fire, which started just before 15:00 BST on the westbound carriageway.
The motorway has been closed in both directions between junctions 12 and 15 near Stanlow and Frodsham.The motorway has been closed in both directions between junctions 12 and 15 near Stanlow and Frodsham.
A cordon has been set up and motorists are being evacuated from their vehicles and moved to a safe distance. Cheshire Police has tweeted there are no casualties but drivers are being warned to avoid the area.
The road is closed in both directions and drivers are advised to avoid the area. Air traffic control has been advised of the incident. A cordon has been set up, vehicles are being evacuated and motorists moved to a safe distance.
Residents in Helsby, Hapsford and Elton are advised to stay indoors and close their windows and doors.
Tom Jackson, who is stuck on the motorway, said: "I was about 20 cars back and we just saw the traffic start to slow and then come to a complete standstill.
"A huge plume of black smoke and then two small explosions, that may have been tyres, then there was a huge one which was like a giant bunsen burner going off way up into the sky."
Five fire engines are at the scene, a spokeswoman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said, but firefighters are also present behind the cordon due to the risk of explosion from the gas-filled tanker.
They are currently working with the police helicopter unit to check the tanker's temperature and with specialist staff from the tanker company, police said.
Air traffic controllers have also been advised of the incident to ensure flights at Liverpool and Manchester airports avoid the area.
Trains have been stopped on the lines between Manchester and Chester, and Ellesmere Port and Helsby. The Liverpool to Runcorn train line is also closed.Trains have been stopped on the lines between Manchester and Chester, and Ellesmere Port and Helsby. The Liverpool to Runcorn train line is also closed.
Residents in the Helsby, Hapsford and Elton are advised to stay indoors and close their windows and doors. Stretches of the M56 have become gridlocked, with traffic backing up as far as Liverpool.
Photos posted on Twitter show motorists leaving their vehicles to sunbathe or play football on the opposite side of the carriageway, which is empty of traffic.
The closure is expected to continue for several hours.
Are you affected by the fire on the M56? Please stay safe and let us know about your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Are you affected by the fire on the M56? Please stay safe and let us know about your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: