One dead and 10 injured in nine-vehicle M6 pile-up

A spokeswoman for Cheshire Police said the collision involved two vans, two HGVs and five cars

One person has died and 10 people were injured in a nine-vehicle pile-up on the M6 today, police said.

The incident happened on the southbound carriageway near junction 16 at Sandbach, Cheshire, shortly after 11.20am.

A spokeswoman for Cheshire Police said the collision involved two vans, two HGVs and five cars.

"Seven people received minor injuries, three received serious injuries, two of which are life threatening, and sadly one person has died," she added.

All the casualties were taken to hospital, two by air ambulance.

Police were at the scene to carry out an investigation into the circumstances.

The southbound carriageway is closed between junctions 16 and 18, Holmes Chapel, and is likely remain closed for approximately four hours, police said.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews were called to the scene of a major road traffic collision on the M6 southbound between junctions 17 and 16.

"There were seven service appliances at the scene which involved numerous vehicles including two heavy goods vehicles, two cars and one van.

"The crews were engaged in extricating five casualties who were trapped.

"The officer at the scene summarised that a total of 15 persons and nine vehicles were involved in the collision.

"Five persons were released from vehicles by the Fire and Rescue Service and all casualties were transported to hospitals at Leighton, Crewe and Stoke by the ambulance service.

"Sadly, one person was confirmed dead at the scene."

Highways Agency said traffic officers from its outstation at Knutsford are at the scene helping to manage traffic.

A spokesman added: "Staff at the Highways Agency's regional control centre at Newton-le-Willows in Merseyside have set signs across the local motorway network to advise drivers of the motorway closure.

"The Highways Agency's National Traffic Operations Centre in Birmingham has also set electronic signs advising long distance drivers travelling out of Scotland and through Cumbria, Lancashire and Greater Manchester of the closure so they can take alternative routes south, including the M1.

"Providing they can do so safely, road users can also call the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000 to keep up to date with road conditions."

PA