Shocking new images of M6 lorry crash emerge as true extent of wreckage revealed

The 'fantastic' work involved in a complex emergency services operation in driving rain and darkness 60ft down a motorway embankment has been praised.

It comes as shocking new images were released showing the true extent of the damage caused to a HGV after it plummeted down the embankment having smashed through barriers on the M6, near Thelwall Viaduct.

Thankfully, the driver escaped with what are being described as non life-threatening injuries.

READ MORE: LIVE: Lorry falls off Thelwall Viaduct on M6 with major traffic delays and lanes shut - updates

Hero firefighters used ropes and other specialist equipment to lower themselves down the embankment to rescue the stricken driver, as their cab lay twisted among trees and foliage.

The driver was immediately passed into the care of waiting paramedics. It's believed they are in hospital today.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service took to X, formerly Twitter, to praise all those involved in the rescue operation.

Bosses said in a post today: "Fantastic work by our crews and partner agencies last night, who rescued the driver of a heavy goods vehicle that had left the carriageway of the M6 North, J20- J21, close to the Thelwall Viaduct, and overturned on an embankment."

The new images capture rescue workers with torches at the scene, assessing the lorry from underneath a bridge on the southbound side of the motorway. Close-up images of the wreckage of the HGV were also revealed by the fire service.

A huge emergency services response attended the major collision shortly after 6.50pm. The barrier over the part of the bridge had been damaged after the lorry smashed through it before falling and crashing down onto the embankment below.

Cheshire Police said the injuries sustained by the driver were not thought to be life-threatening. Highways bosses said 'complex repairs' were underway on Tuesday morning along the busy section of the M6.

Two lanes remain closed northbound in Cheshire, between junction 20 for Lymm and 21, for Warrington, after last night's collision near the viaduct. Rush-hour motorists are being warned over heavy congestion in the area.

In a statement, National Highways said: "A complex repair operation is underway and will continue throughout the morning. Expect delays into the morning peak. Allow extra time."

This morning, National Highways said a specialist recovery operation for the lorry has been organised, with vehicles said to be 'en route' to the scene. Around five miles of congestion remains in place around the scene.