M6 Motorway Closed After Woman Found Dead Near Wigan

On the morning of January 16, 2026, a major stretch of the M6 motorway near Wigan came to a standstill, leaving thousands of motorists stranded and local communities on edge. The closure, which affected both directions between junction 23 at Haydock and junction 26 at the M58 Orrell Interchange, was prompted by a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) incident that quickly became the focus of regional attention.

According to BBC News, the first indications of trouble surfaced shortly after 7:42 GMT, when GMP received a call expressing concerns for the welfare of a woman near Ashton-in-Makerfield. Despite the swift response from emergency services, the woman was found dead at the scene. Details about her identity and the specific circumstances leading to her death have not yet been released by authorities.

The incident’s impact was immediate and far-reaching. National Highways North West confirmed that the closure extended between the key junctions, effectively slicing a vital artery of northwest England’s road network in two. Downall Green Road in Ashton-in-Makerfield, a local route closely linked to the motorway, was also sealed off in both directions, further compounding travel woes for residents and commuters alike. The closure, as reported by the Manchester Evening News, was expected to remain in place for a number of hours, with National Highways warning that the disruption could last "throughout the day."

The ripple effects were felt almost instantly. Motorists heading northbound faced delays of about 60 minutes, with congestion stretching for five miles, while those traveling southbound encountered 30-minute holdups and four miles of jams. Aerial images and ground-level photos captured by news outlets showed long lines of cars, vans, and lorries with their brake lights glowing red, snaking along the motorway and curving out of sight—a stark visual testament to the scale of the disruption.

In a statement provided to BBC Manchester, a spokesperson for National Highways North West explained, "M6 is closed both ways between J23 (Haydock) and J26 (Orrell M58 junction) due to a Greater Manchester Police led incident on the M6 south between J25-J24 near Ashton-in-Makerfield. Current info from scene indicates the M6 will remain closed for a number of hours. Updates to follow soon." This message was echoed in subsequent updates, with the agency unable to estimate a definitive reopening time as emergency services continued their work at the scene.

Greater Manchester Police, for their part, urged the public to exercise patience and flexibility as the investigation unfolded. In an official statement, GMP said, "We would encourage a review of travel plans and ask for patience as emergency services conduct their enquiries." The force also confirmed that the incident was being treated with the utmost seriousness, and that all necessary resources had been deployed to ensure a thorough and sensitive response.

The closure of such a critical stretch of motorway inevitably led to broader questions about emergency response protocols and the challenges faced by authorities in balancing public safety with the need to keep vital infrastructure open. For many drivers caught in the ensuing gridlock, frustration mingled with concern as they sought alternative routes or waited for updates from official sources. Social media channels and local news outlets were flooded with messages from stranded motorists, some expressing sympathy for those directly affected by the tragedy, others venting their exasperation at the delays.

Local businesses and delivery services were also hit hard by the disruption. With the M6 serving as a main conduit for goods and commuters between Liverpool, Manchester, and beyond, the closure had knock-on effects for supply chains and daily operations. Some companies reported missed deliveries and delayed appointments, while public transport providers scrambled to adjust schedules and inform passengers of the unfolding situation.

Although the immediate focus remained on the police investigation and the welfare of those involved, the incident reignited longstanding debates about mental health support and the pressures faced by individuals in crisis. While GMP has not released further details about the woman or the nature of the initial welfare call, the case served as a somber reminder of the human stories that often underpin such large-scale disruptions.

Community leaders and advocacy groups were quick to highlight the importance of timely intervention and support for those experiencing mental health challenges. "Every incident like this is a tragedy, not just for the individual but for their loved ones and the wider community," said a local mental health charity spokesperson. "It underscores the need for accessible services and compassionate responses from both authorities and the public."

As emergency services continued their work throughout the day, National Highways and GMP provided regular updates via social media and local radio broadcasts. National Highways North West repeatedly advised drivers to "review travel plans" and consider alternative routes, while also cautioning that congestion was likely to persist until the motorway could be safely reopened. The agency’s traffic monitoring systems tracked the evolving situation in real time, relaying information to motorists through overhead signs and online platforms.

For many in the region, the incident was a stark illustration of how quickly daily routines can be upended by unexpected events. Parents on the school run, delivery drivers with tight schedules, and holidaymakers on the move all found themselves caught up in a web of uncertainty. Yet, amid the inconvenience, there were also moments of solidarity and patience, as drivers shared updates and words of encouragement with one another via social media and roadside conversations.

In the hours following the closure, speculation about the incident’s details circulated widely, but authorities remained tight-lipped, emphasizing the need for a careful and respectful investigation. GMP reiterated its commitment to providing further information "as soon as possible," while also appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward.

As dusk approached, the motorway remained closed, with no clear timeline for reopening. The day’s events served as a powerful reminder of the complex interplay between public safety, infrastructure, and the unpredictable nature of life. For those directly affected by the tragedy, as well as the thousands whose journeys were interrupted, the incident left a lasting impression—one marked by both sorrow and a renewed appreciation for the tireless work of emergency responders.

By late evening, the M6 closure was still in effect, with National Highways and GMP continuing their inquiries. As the investigation progressed, the region waited for answers, hoping for closure and a return to normalcy on one of the country’s busiest motorways.