M6 crash: Long delays as man seriously injuried after lorries collide

A man treated for potentially serious injuries was taken to hospital following a collision involving three lorries on the M6 in the West Midlands early hours this morning (Thursday, October 12).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the northbound carriage of the M6, between junctions 13 and 14, at 1.04am and sent one ambulance and two paramedic officers to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Upon arrival, crews found three lorries that had been in collision, all of which had suffered significant damage. The driver of one of the lorries, a man, was treated for potentially serious injuries before being taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital.

“A second man was assessed and treated for minor injuries before being discharged at the scene whilst the third occupant of the vehicles did not wish to be assessed.”

The motorway was closed between J13 and J14 as emergency services responded to the crash. Long delays and miles of queues have built up on the M6. Traffic that was caught up within the closure has been released but there are currently long delays of 45 minutes on approach to the closure at J13.

National Highways West Midlands said on X, formerly Twitter: “The M6 north between J13 Penkridge & J14 Stafford remains closed following an earlier multi vehicle collision. Complex recovery and extensive clean up works ongoing due to an oil spillage. There are 4 miles of congestion on approach to J13 so allow extra journey time.”

They adde that following the collision there was a substantial spillage of oil and diesel across the carriageway. Lanes 2, 3 and 4 (of 4) have been treated using a high pressure cleaning method called hydro-blasting and will not require resurfacing. Recovery of two of the lorries continues in lane 1, once complete lane 1 will also be hydro-blasted and an assessment made on whether emergency resurfacing is required.

This has caused travel disruption for motorists across the region who are traveling on the M6. Diversions are still in place after oil spillage on the motorway.

Diversion Routes

Northbound diverted traffic is advised to follow the hollow diamond diversion symbol.

• Exit the M6 northbound at J13 and take the 3rd exit onto the A449, towards Stafford.
• Continue along the A449 for approximately 3 miles into Stafford and and to the Queensway Island.
• At the Queensway Island take the 3rd exit onto the A34, towards Stone.
• Continue along the A34 for approximately 1 mile to the third roundabout (with the A5013 Eccleshall Road).
• Take the 1st onto the A5013 and travel for approximately 1 mile M6 J14.
• Take the 3rd exit to rejoin the M6 northbound.