M6 closed after serious crash involving lorry and van near Stafford
The M6 in Staffordshire has been closed southbound following a serious crash involving a heavy goods vehicle and a van.
Emergency services were called to the scene between Junction 13 for Stafford and Junction 12 for Cannock just before midnight last night, with closures remaining in place this morning (November 4).
Staffordshire Police are leading the response and remain at the scene to carry out an investigation, according to National Highways.
The carriageway is expected to remain closed throughout the morning while emergency and recovery work continues.
Long delays of around an hour, with around three miles of congestion stretching back towards Junction 14 for Stafford are expected.
Drivers are being diverted via the Junction 13 exit to the A449 southbound to the A5 at Gailey.
Commuters can re-join the M6 at Junction 12.
Traffic using the diversion route are urged to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys as congestion has been reported through Penkridge and on the approach to Gailey roundabout via the A449.
A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: "We are appealing for information after a man suffered serious injuries following a collision on the M6 late yesterday evening. We were called shortly before midnight on Monday (3 November) to the southbound carriageway between junctions 13 and 12 following reports of a collision.
Officers attended along with colleagues from West Midlands Ambulance Service and Highways. A lorry and a van were involved.
"The driver of the van, which had broken down prior to the collision, was standing near to the van when he was involved in the collision. The man, in his 20s, was taken to hospital by ambulance with serious head injuries.
"The other driver did not report any injuries. The road remains closed while our investigation continues. Anyone with information, or relevant dashcam footage, should contact us on 101 quoting incident number 861 of 3 November or email collision investigators directly at ciu@staffordshire.police.uk."
West Midlands Ambulance Service added: "We were called to reports of an RTC involving a HGV and a stationary van on the M6 between junction 12/13 southbound and sent two ambulances, three paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car from Cosford to the scene.
"On arrival, crews found a man, who was off the carriage way and behind the barrier, in a potentially life-threatening condition and immediately began administering specialist trauma care which continued on route to Royal Stoke University Hospital."
