TRAVEL: Accident closes M56 in Cheshire

A lorry drove through the central reservation between J10 and J9. Credit: Highways England

Two lorries and three cars have been involved in a collision with the central reservation on the M56 causing severe delays, a road closure and queueing traffic between Runcorn and Manchester.

The M56 is closed in both directions between J10 A49 (Stretton) and J9 M6 (Lymm Interchange).

Two people have been taken to hospital with injuries which, emergency services say, are not thought to be serious.

There are delays of up to 40 minutes back to J12 A557 (Runcorn) and J8 A556 (Tatton).

Police say the road is likely to remain closed for some time due to damage to the carriageway and drivers are advised to avoid the area. Diversions are in place.

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Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 626 of 21st October.