A lorry driver had a lucky escape after Storm Franklin's heavy gusts caused his wagon to crash into a bridge - and burst into flames.
Miraculously, the driver walked away by the time the police and fire crews arrived.
He was later taken to hospital with a head injury but his HGV was burnt out, as shocking pictures released by Lancashire Police show.
Firefighters can be seen putting out the massive blaze, which took place on the M6 at 4.15 am this morning (Mon).
A spokesman for the force said the truck burst into flames after the strong winds caused it to hit a bridge.
Emergency services attended the scene soon after the incident, where they found the vehicle on fire.
A full motorway closure of the M6 was initially put in place, with long delays reported both north and south between Junction 27 and 26.
The southbound carriageway has since been re-opened, but have police said the northbound carriageway remains closed at this time.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Road Police said: “We were called at 4.51am today (February 21) to reports of a single-vehicle RTC involving a HGV on the northbound carriageway of the M6 at junction 27.
“Emergency services attended and found the vehicle had caught fire.
"The driver of the HGV was already out of the vehicle when emergency services arrived.
“He has been taken to hospital with head injuries and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
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