M6 visitors grinds to a halt as Christmas Eve crash shuts motorway inflicting chaos
The M6 in Lancashire has been closed this evening following an overturned vehicle between junctions J32 and 33 with motorists facing long delays as they drive home for Christmas
Motorists have been brought to a halt on a section of the M6 in Lancashire this evening (December 24) due to an ‘overturned vehicle.’
Emergency services are currently at the scene on the northbound carriageway between J32 for the M55 Broughton Interchange and J33 for Lancaster South/Garstang.
The incident, which was first reported just after 5pm, is causing significant delays in the vicinity, reports Lancs Live. It comes after the UK could face a ‘winter bomb’ just in time for Christmas that hasn’t been seen since the 1980s.
In a statement, National Highways said: “There are 30 minute delays on the #M6 north in #Lancashire between J32 and J33. This is due to an overturned vehicle in lane 1. National Highways traffic officers are on scene assisting Lancashire Police. Recovery and clean up could be protracted.”
Inrix, the traffic monitoring service, has stated: “All traffic being temporarily held and queueing traffic due to accident on M6 Northbound between J32 M55 (Broughton Interchange) and J33 A6 Preston Lancaster Road (Lancaster South / Garstang).”
One person shared a picture from the road, and wrote: “Accident not long happened. M6 north between Preston and Lancaster.”
In an update, AA Traffic News said that delays in the area are now down to ’14 minutes’ and vehicles are moving at an average speed of 10mph. Inrix also stated that while traffic has been released, some lanes remain closed.
It comes after the family of a soon-to-be father who tragically died in a crash days before Christmas have described him as “gentle, calm and kind.”
Mathew Hardy, 34, from Pwllheli, was one of two men declared dead at the scene of a collision on the A487 Porthmadog bypass.
Daniel Atkinson, 40, from Blaenau Ffestiniog, also lost his life in the accident. The crash, which occurred just before 9.30pm, involved an Isuzu recovery truck driven by Mr Hardy, and a VW Golf.
North Wales Police are appealing for witnesses and have confirmed that they have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, reports North Wales Live.
In a moving tribute, Mr Hardy’s family said: “As a family our lives have changed forever, following the incomprehensible loss of Mathew in this horrific tragedy.
“There are no words to describe the pain and grief we are feeling. He was an incredible son, partner, brother and friend, and his absence will leave us feeling an emptiness forever.
“Mathew was a gentle, calm and kind character who was so deeply loved. He was thrilled to have recently moved into a new home, with a baby girl on the way.
“We truly appreciate everyone’s kindness and support and politely ask for privacy during this difficult time.”
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