A man and woman have been taken to hospital after a crash involving a milk tanker on the M6.

At around 7am today (July 2), a milk tanker travelling northbound crashed with the central reservation barrier on the M6 between J31 and J32.

The Heavy Goods Vehicle then flipped onto its side causing diesel and 20,000 litres of milk to spill onto the carriageway.

Police have closed the M6 in both directions and due to the nature of the spillage, the motorway is expected to be closed for some time.

A man and woman, the driver and passenger, have been taken to hospital for treatment.

The M6 J3a and J31 entry slips and the link road from the M55 eastbound to M6 J32 southbound are also closed.

Ch Insp Patrick Worden, of Lancashire Police, said: “At this time we expect the motorway to be closed for some if not most of the day.

“The tanker needs to be recovered and due to the large scale milk and diesel spillage, the motorway surface treated appropriately.

“We expect this to cause significant delays and I would advise motorists to make plans for alternate routes.

“We will update you with more information as and when appropriate.” 

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "On arrival, crews found a large goods vehicle that had overturned and approximately 20,000 litres of milk had spilt onto the motorway.

"Two casualties have been treated by North West Ambulance Service and conveyed to hospital.

"The fire service are at the incident to ensure the scene is safe and are currently using two hose reels and an environmental pack."

Emergency services are in attendance. National Highways Traffic Officers are on scene to provide assistance with traffic management.

Diversion Routes

'Road users are advised to follow the solid square diversion symbol on road signs if heading southbound'.

  • Exit the M6 J32, Blackpool onto M55.
  • Exit the M55 J1, Broughton, take the first roundabout exit A6 Preston.
  • At the A6/A6085 junction turn left (M6 south)
  • Follow the A5085 to the A59 roundabout.
  • Take the first exit and follow the A59 to M61 J31, Tickle Trout.
  • At the roundabout take the second exit. M6 south, Birmingham.

'Road users are advised to follow the solid triangle diversion symbol on road signs if heading northbound'.

  • Exit the M6 J31, Tickle Trout.
  • Take the first roundabout exit, Preston A59.
  • At the next roundabout take the second exit, Blackpool (A583).
  • At the A6 junction turn right (M6) (M55).
  • Follow the A6 north to M55 J1 Broughton.

'Road users are then advised to follow the hollow circle diversion symbol on road signs if heading northbound'.

  • Exit the M55 J1 (Broughton) and take the first exit at the roundabout A6 Garstang
  • Follow the A6 northbound through Broughton, Barton, Bilsborrow and Garstang to M6 J33 (Lancaster South).
  • Re-join the M6 northbound

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