Imagine being stuck in standstill traffic, the minutes ticking by, while a vehicle fire rages ahead. That's the reality facing drivers on the M6 right now after a major crash brought the northbound carriageway to a halt near Knutsford. Expect significant delays if you're heading that way.
Let's break down what we know so far, starting with the timeline of events. This incident is developing rapidly, so stay with us for the latest updates.
Latest Update: 13:12 GMT, Saturday, January 10, 2026
Traffic remains heavily congested on the M6 northbound following the earlier crash. Cars are currently stopped, creating long queues. Traffic cameras are showing just how extensive these delays are.
12:54 GMT
The Cheshire Fire & Rescue Services have officially left the scene, handing control over to the Police and Highways officials. Their work ensuring the immediate safety of the area is complete.
12:41 GMT
The Express has reached out to the North West Ambulance Service for details regarding potential injuries and the extent of medical assistance required. We'll bring you their statement as soon as it becomes available.
12:38 GMT
Good news, at least in a small way: Lane four has been reopened to allow some traffic to start moving. But here's where it gets controversial... is opening a single lane enough to alleviate the massive congestion building up? Some might argue it's a token gesture, while others will appreciate any movement at all. What do you think?
According to the Fire Service, the North West Ambulance Service is attending to at least one casualty at the scene. Firefighters are also using thermal imaging cameras to monitor the vehicle that was on fire, ensuring there are no hidden hotspots or potential for reignition. This is a crucial step in preventing further incidents.
12:32 GMT
National Highways reports that three of the four lanes on the M6 northbound, specifically between Junction 18 (Middlewich) and Junction 19 (Tabley Interchange), are currently closed due to the incident. This is the primary cause of the significant delays.
12:32 GMT
Motorists are experiencing delays of up to 30 minutes as a direct result of the lane closures. This estimate could increase if the situation worsens, so plan your journey accordingly.
12:30 GMT
Traffic cameras are capturing images of extensive queues stretching back from the closure point near Knutsford. The sheer volume of vehicles affected is becoming increasingly apparent.
12:23 GMT
Firefighters are actively working at the scene to extinguish the vehicle fire and secure the area. Their priority is to make the scene safe for other emergency services and eventually, for the resumption of traffic flow.
12:22 GMT
An eyewitness account paints a dramatic picture: the crash involved an HGV and multiple other vehicles. The HGV reportedly collided with a car, triggering a chain reaction involving several other motorists. And this is the part most people miss... the psychological impact on those involved. Witnessing such an event can be incredibly traumatic, even without physical injury.
One of the cars involved caught fire and reportedly overturned upon impact. Miraculously, the eyewitness believes the occupants of the burning vehicle escaped without any apparent injuries. This is a testament to modern vehicle safety features, but also a stark reminder of how quickly things can change on the motorway.
12:20 GMT
A spokesperson for the Cheshire Fire Service issued the following statement: "INCIDENT | Firefighters are currently at the scene of a vehicle fire on the M6 Northbound near to Junction 19. There will be delays in the area so please avoid if possible."
12:19 GMT
Inrix, the traffic alert service, confirms that traffic has been completely stopped on the northbound side of the motorway near Knutsford. This is causing significant congestion and delays.
12:18 GMT
Welcome to our live blog! I'm Astha Saxena, and I'll be providing you with real-time updates on this developing situation. If you have any information, tips, or stories to share, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact me via email at astha.saxena@reachplc.com or on Twitter @asthasaxena88.
So, what are your thoughts on how these situations are handled? Do you think enough is being done to minimize disruption and ensure the safety of motorists in these types of incidents? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
