This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-33854932

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
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 has tweeted there are no casualties, but drivers are being warned to avoid the area. 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.
Residents in Helsby, Hapsford and Elton are advised to stay indoors and close their windows and doors. They have now lifted their initial advice to residents in Helsby, Hapsford and Elton to 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. 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 the area. Air traffic controllers have been advised of the incident to ensure flights at Liverpool and Manchester airports avoid any smoke.
The tanker is on fire on the hard shoulder of the M56 at junction 14, a few miles from Ellesmere Port. The tanker was on fire on the hard shoulder of the M56 at junction 14, a few miles from Ellesmere Port.
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. The Manchester to Chester line will re-open soon after trains were stopped on the route, police said.
Stretches of the M56 have become gridlocked, with traffic backing up as far as Liverpool, with a knock-on effect in north Wales. The A5117 and the M53 from the Hoole roundabout have also been closed. The line between Helsby and Hooton remains closed.
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. 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: