M6 shut as lorries collide

The M6 was partially closed for more than eight hours today after two lorries collided, sending one plunging down an embankment.

The driver managed to flee the vehicle, which left the northbound carriageway in the accident between junction 14 for Stafford north and junction 15 for Stoke-on-Trent.

One HGV ran into the back of another just after 12.30am around a mile south of Stafford services.

The driver of the second lorry had to be cut free from his cab. He was taken to Stafford Hospital by ambulance, but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Fire crews left the scene at 2.45am but officers from the Highways Agency were still clearing the wreckage this morning, with queues back to junction 13 for the A449. It was expected to re-open fully by 10am.

Meanwhile, a multi-vehicle accident closed the entire northbound carriageway of the M1 in Leicestershire at 6.30am today.

Drivers were forced to make a 25-mile detour via the M6 after the smash between junction 19 at Catthorpe and junction 21 at Leicester.

The closure was expected to remain in place through much of the day.