A serious collision on the M6 motorway resulted in a tragic loss of life and significant traffic chaos in Cheshire on March 24, 2025. The southbound carriageway was closed between Junctions 17 (Sandbach) and 16 (Crewe), severely impacting motorists during one of the busiest times of the evening.
The incident occurred around 6:30 PM, involving three vehicles: a red Hyundai, a silver BMW, and a black Mercedes. According to Cheshire Police, a 67-year-old woman from Liverpool was behind the wheel of the Hyundai and tragically lost her life in the crash. A 41-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent, the driver of the Mercedes, was uninjured, while a 51-year-old man from Staffordshire, who drove the BMW, suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital shortly after the collision.
Emergency services promptly responded to the scene, with police and paramedics arriving shortly after the crash was reported. Traffic monitoring system Inrix issued an alert just before 7 PM, confirming there was already congestion along the route, with delays reaching around two miles as motorists faced an uncertain journey home.
A spokesperson for Cheshire Police stated, “The M6 is currently closed in the southbound direction between J17 (Sandbach) and J16 (Crewe) as officers respond to an incident. North West Ambulance Service and National Highways Service providers are also in attendance, and significant delays are likely. Motorists are advised to please allow extra time when traveling and to find alternate routes where possible. Thank you for your patience this evening.”
National Highways confirmed that trapped traffic was being released via lane 4 of 4. Diversion routes were established to guide drivers around the closure, indicating significant efforts to minimize disruptions on this crucial motorway.
The diversion details included exiting the M6 at Junction 17, turning right onto the A534, and following various routes toward Junction 16, before vehicles could rejoin the southbound carriageway. The diversion required extra time and patience from drivers, adding to the day's frustration.
The severity of the collision has prompted a thorough investigation by Cheshire Police’s Serious Collision Unit, led by Detective Inspector Steve Griffiths. He mentioned, “The M6 is one of the main routes that runs through Cheshire and this incident occurred at a busy time of day, so we are urging anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.” Additionally, police are asking motorists who may have dashcam footage of the events to contact them.
The M6 remained shut down until approximately 2 AM the next day, with delays extending back to Junction 19 (Knutsford), as emergency crews worked tirelessly to clear the scene and attend to the injured. The extent of injuries and the loss of life have raised concerns about road safety, particularly during peak travel times.
This tragic incident underscores the importance of vigilance while driving, especially on busy motorways where traffic volume can result in severe consequences. Authorities continue to stress the importance of road safety measures and urge all drivers to remain cautious and drive within safe limits.
The investigation remains ongoing, and any witnesses or individuals with relevant information are urged to contact Cheshire Police at 101, quoting incident number IML-2054666. This call to action emphasizes the collective responsibility on the road to ensure the safety and well-being of all motorists.
As updates regarding the investigation unfold, the community reflects on the impacts of this tragic event, hoping that increased awareness and safety measures can prevent such incidents in the future.
