Major fire on M56 Junct 12-15 closed

Cheshire Police are continuing to assist Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service at the scene of a major fire on the M56 near Chester.

The fire involves a HGV tanker which is believed to be carrying propane gas. As a result of the incident the M56 is currently closed in both directions between junctions 12 and 15.

A road closure is also in place on the A5117. The incident has resulted in major traffic delays across the area.

A 1600m cordon has been set up as a precautionary, and residents in the Helsby, Hapsford and Elton are advised to stay indoors with their windows and doors closed.

Motorist who are currently on the M56 near to the scene of the incident are asked to stay inside their vehicles, officers are currently working to remove the central reservation to allow traffic to divert away from the scene.

Motorist caught in tailbacks on other routes are asked to remain patient at this time, and asked not to use the hard shoulder, as this is delaying emergency services that are assisting with the incident.

The railway lines between Manchester and Chester & Ellesmere Port has also been closed, and flights travelling towards Liverpool John Lennon airport are also being diverted as a precautionary measure.