A severe collision caused a major incident on the M57 motorway, resulting in a car catching fire and multiple emergency services responding. The traffic management system Inrix reported that drivers experienced significant delays due to the gridlocked traffic. The incident occurred on the northbound section of the M57 between junction 2 (A57 Liverpool Road, Prescot) and junction 3 (A526 Seth Powell Way, Stockbridge Village).
The National Highways agency issued a warning that the closure of the motorway was likely to last for several hours. Emergency services were present at the scene to manage the aftermath of the serious crash.
Following a single-vehicle collision on the northbound side of the M57 near junction 3 in Knowsley, the motorway was shut down in both directions as a car veered off the carriageway and ignited. Knowsley Council confirmed the closure between junction 2 (Prescot/Huyton) and junction 3 due to the collision, advising motorists to seek alternative routes.
An air ambulance, along with multiple fire engines, ambulances, and police vehicles, responded to the scene where the vehicle caught fire after leaving the motorway. Merseyside Police enforced road closures, urging drivers to avoid the area until the situation was resolved.
Inrix reported severe delays and road closures on the M57 between junctions 2 and 3 due to a vehicle fire. Traffic congestion was reported from Tarbock Island (J1) to Huyton as vehicles diverted from the affected area. The closure was anticipated to last throughout the evening, with National Highways and local authorities coordinating the response.
Motorists on the M57 witnessed a significant presence of emergency vehicles at the scene, with traffic coming to a standstill. National Highways advised following diversion symbols and staying updated on the situation through official channels.