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Propane tanker fire shuts M56 motorway near Chester | Propane tanker fire shuts M56 motorway near Chester |
(about 1 hour 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. |
Cheshire Police tweeted there were no casualties, but drivers are being warned to avoid the area. | |
The force said it would remove the central reservation so motorists could turn around and get off the motorway. | The force said it would remove the central reservation so motorists could turn around and get off the motorway. |
They have now lifted their initial advice to residents in Helsby, Hapsford and Elton to close their windows and doors. | |
Tom Jackson, who was 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." | "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. | 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. | 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 been advised of the incident to ensure flights at Liverpool and Manchester airports avoid any smoke. | |
The tanker was on fire on the hard shoulder of the M56 at junction 14, a few miles from Ellesmere Port. | |
The Manchester to Chester line will re-open soon after trains were stopped on the route, police said. | |
The line between Helsby and Hooton remains closed. | |
Stretches of the M56 became gridlocked, with traffic backing up as far as Liverpool, with a knock-on effect into north Wales. The A5117 and the M53 from the Hoole roundabout have also been closed. | |
Photos posted on Twitter showed motorists leaving their vehicles to sunbathe or play football on the opposite side of the carriageway, which is empty of traffic. | |
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: |