A MAJOR UK motorway has been forced to close after a “serious collision” involving an HGV and a van – sparking rush hour chaos.
Motorists travelling on the M6 in Staffordshire have been warned to expect severe delays after the horror smash in the early hours.
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Cops and ambulance crews scrambled to the busy stretch between J12 and J13
Emergency services were scrambled to the scene between Junction 13, for Stafford, and Junction 12, for Cannock.
Staffordshire Police remains on site as it continues to investigate the “serious collision” on the southbound carriageway.
Traffic had also been halted northbound as crews dealt with the smash.
National Highways reported the crash just before 12.15am today.
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Issuing an update, it said: “The M6 in Staffordshire is closed southbound between J13 and J12 due to a serious collision involving a HGV and a van.
“West Midlands Ambulance Service have been in attendance. National Highways has resources deployed to assist with traffic management.
“Staffordshire Police lead the response to the ongoing incident and remain on scene to carry out a police investigation.
“The carriageway is expected to remain closed for several further hours.”
Traffic has come to a standstill on the major route, with cars backed up to Junction 14, the Creswell Interchange.
Commuters are being diverted around the motorway and have been advised to follow the hollow circle symbol.
The carriageway had been closed overnight through to Junction 10A due to planned roadworks.
At 5am, the busy stretch from Junction 12 to Junction 10A was reopened.
Diversion route
Diverted traffic is advised to follow the hollow circle diversion symbol
Exit the M6 southbound at J13 and join the A449 southbound.
Continue on the A449 until the junction with the A5 at Gailey.
Take the A5 eastbound and continue to then re-join the M6 southbound at J12.
If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time.
Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.
Yesterday, travel chaos was sparked on the M1 after two lorries crashed, causing a blaze on the carrigeway.
The route was shut in both directions in Leicestershire as crews cleared debris, including a spillage.
And a “major incident” was declared in Cumbria after a train derailed, leaving four passengers injured.
Almost ninety commuters were checked over after the train came off the tracks near Shap just after 6am yesterday.
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Rail services face delays of up to two hours following the derailment, which occurred between Penrith and Oxenholme.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said a major incident had been declared.
Traffic has come to a standstill on the M6 southbound
