Live updates as M56 closed after lorry bursts into flames

Reports from ECHO readers near the scene

Writing on Facebook, one ECHO reader said: "We came past it on the Westbound carriageway before they closed the motorway in both directions. The smoke was horrendous and coming low across the road."

Another reader said they saw the smoke "from Liverpool Airport".

Update from North West Motorway Police

The motorway police say that "traffic should hopefully be starting to move" after two westbound lanes were reopened, with the fire service working hard to extinguish the fire so that an eastbound lane can be opened.

Two westbound lanes to reopen shortly

According to Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, police will shortly be reopening two lanes of the westbound carriageway "with speed restrictions".

The eastbound carriageway remains closed.

Smoke plume now 'much reduced'

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service believe the lorry was carrying top soil and cardboard waste. In a 10pm update the service said:

"Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using hose reel water jets to fully extinguish the fire. The smoke plume is now much-reduced. It is believed the vehicle was carrying a quantity of top soil and cardboard waste."

Good news from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed the driver is "safe and well", but the motorway will remain closed "for some time".

View of the incident from afar

On Twitter/X, one user posted a video and photograph of the scene of the incident from Frosham Hill, showing the lorry blaze still burning, with emergency services in place to tackle it.

Traffic being turned around

National Highways said in an update:

"Fire crews continue to work at scene and traffic caught within the closure is in the process of being turned around."

Traffic at a standstill

On Twitter/X, one user posted a video showing "traffic at a standstill" on the M56.

Motorists told to remain in vehicles

North West Motorway Police have issued the following statement:

"If anyone stuck in the traffic on M56 due to the lorry fire are monitoring our posts, could I ask please that you remain in your vehicles. It causes problems for emergency vehicles trying to get to the scene. Thanks in advance for your co-operation."

Police update

Cheshire Police have reinforced the message to avoid the area and find alternative routes.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service: 'crews making good progress'

In a 9pm update, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said:

"Crews are making good progress in tackling the fire. Both carriageways remain closed and motorists are advised to avoid the area. It is likely firefighting operations will continue for some time. Further updates to follow."

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service tell motorists to 'avoid the area'

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service issued the following statement:

"North West Fire Control received multiple reports of a fire involving a large goods vehicle on the hard shoulder of the M56. The fire is causing a significant amount of thick smoke and crews have requested that both carriageways be closed while they deal with the incident.

"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using hose reel water jets to tackle the blaze. Motorists are advised to avoid the area. Further updates to follow."

Update from National Highways

All traffic has been stopped in both directions on the M56