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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Ellen Kirwin

Lorry bursts into flames as Storm Franklin wind blows it into bridge on M6

A driver has been left with serious injuries after the lorry he was driving crashed and burst into flames.

The HGV is reported to have been blown into a bridge on the M6, between J27 Crow Orchard Road (Standish) and J28 Leyland Way (Leyland), by high winds.

After hitting the bridge, the lorry caught fire, at around 5.30am, on Monday, February 21.

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Police tweeted a dramatic image showing the aftermath of the fire, showing the lorry completely destroyed.

A spokesperson has confirmed that the driver, a man in his 40s, has been taken to hospital with serious head injuries.

Posting an update on Twitter, a spokesperson said: "High winds caused this HGV to hit a bridge and burst into flames on M6.

"Driver luckily escaped from cab with help from other motorists and is being assessed at hospital."

A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Five fire engines from Lancashire and Greater Manchester were called to a fire involving a HGV and its trailer on the M6 near Chorley.

"By 7am, the fire had been extinguished using four breathing apparatus and three hose reels and the M6 southbound had reopened.

"The driver of the vehicle was treated by paramedics from North West Ambulance Service and all agencies are working in difficult conditions to reopen the northbound side of the M6."

The M6 was closed in both directions while emergency services dealt with the crash.

There are still delays being reported on the motorway northbound, as accident clear up takes place.

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