Man killed in M6 crash named after car ‘burst into flames’ as police enchantment
A man has died after a crash involving a van and a lorry on the M6 northbound between junctions 23 and 24 on Sunday night, with Merseyside Police naming the victim as Vadim Suflet, 41
A man has died after the crash on the M6 on Sunday night(Image: National Highways)
A man has tragically lost his life following a collision involving a van and a lorry on the M6 on Sunday night. Merseyside Police were alerted to the crash on the northbound carriageway between junction 23 at Newton-le-Willows and junction 24 at Ashton-in-Makerfield at approximately 9.55pm.
The collision resulted in one of the vehicles bursting into flames. The van driver was declared dead at the scene. He has been identified as 41-year-old Vadim Suflet, whose family is receiving support from specialist officers, police confirmed.
The lorry driver remained at the scene and is helping police with their investigation, confirmed the force.
Police are urging witnesses to come forward(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The northbound carriageway stays shut between junctions 23 and 24, with diversions in operation as emergency resurfacing works carry on. Motorists are urged to allow additional time for their journeys and consult the National Highways website before setting off, reports the Liverpool Echo.
National Highways confirmed the closure was anticipated to stay in effect throughout Monday and “into the night” due to substantial damage to the road surface caused by the blaze and a major fuel leak.
In a statement, the agency said: “The M6 in Greater Manchester is closed northbound between J23 (Newton Le Willows) and J24 (Ashton In Makerfield). This is to allow for emergency resurfacing works to take place following a serious collision which occurred just prior to 10pm last night (October 18).
“The collision, involving a van and a lorry, resulted in one of the vehicles catching fire. This resulted in significant damage to the road surface from the fire and also a large fuel spillage.
“Police collision investigation works took place throughout the night and into the morning under a full closure of the road in both directions. The southbound carriageway re-opened at approximately 7.30am.
“Lanes 1, 2 and 3 (of 4) require full resurfacing, and due to safety requirements, lane 4 also needs to remain closed until the works are completed.”
National Highways confirmed there’s currently no estimated timeframe for when the northbound carriageway will reopen.
Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, from Merseyside Police’s Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), has made an urgent appeal for witnesses to step forward.
He stated: “First and foremost, our heartfelt condolences are with Vadim’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time. Our priority is to provide support and answers to his family to establish what happened, and to this end we are appealing for any witnesses to come forward as a matter of urgency.
“From initial enquiries, we know that a number of vehicles were in the vicinity of the collision at the time or immediately prior. If you were passing this incident and think you may have captured something on dashcam devices, please check and come forward, whether you were travelling on the northbound or southbound carriageways. You may hold vital evidence to assist our work.”
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Diversion Route
Road users heading northbound are advised to follow the hollow diamond diversion symbol on road signs:
- Leave the M6 at J23 and at the roundabout take the second exit onto the A580 heading west
- Follow the A580 to the A580/A58 junction and turn right onto the A58 eastbound
- Continue on the A58 eastbound back to the M6 J24 and rejoin the M6 northbound at J24 to continue your journey
Anyone with information on the incident should contact Merseyside Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0151 777 5747 quoting incident reference 26000857221.
Alternatively contact the social media desk via Facebook or X @MerPolCC. You can also report information via the force’s website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/..
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