Shocking dashcam footage has emerged showing the terrifying moment a huge HGV tumbled 60ft off a rain-lashed motorway bridge. Captured on film, the lorry is seen breaking through the barriers on the M6 near Warrington in Cheshire, before plummeting onto the scrubland below last Monday (30/9).
The driver of the vehicle, aged 56, was swiftly taken to hospital following the accident between junctions 20 and 21 on the Thelwall Viaduct, which occurred around 6:50 pm amid treacherous weather conditions. In a miraculous twist of fate, he escaped life-threatening harms and is expected to be released soon.
Images from the day after demonstrate the severe damage to the vehicle and underscore the astounding survival of the driver from what could have been a fatal fall. Cheshire Police have indicated that while inquiries into the crash are still under way, which originally prompted road closures, these have now been removed.
Inspector Anton Sullivan shared with the press: “It is remarkable that the driver of the HGV was not more seriously injured, and other road users managed to escape unscathed.”
He also said, “This incident had a rapid response and the scene was well managed by officers in dangerous motorway conditions, due to poor visibility and heavy rain.”
Additionally, Inspector Sullivan noted, “The recovery phase of the incident was hampered by poor weather and challenging terrain where the lorry had landed.”
“Police, along with Highways and the specialist recovery agents, have been working all day to recover the vehicle and trailer which were completely destroyed and to repair the damaged railing on top of Thelwall Viaduct, focussing on ensuring safety and a return to normal on the M6 as soon as possible.”
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