Lorry driver dies after his vehicle falls off bridge

By Natasia Moore

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A lorry driver has died after his wagon fell off a bridge onto the M56 motorway in Warrington in Cheshire.

It happened at 3.30pm on Monday afternoon causing traffic chaos around Junction 11. Police had to shut both carriageways. 

No other vehicles were involved in the incident although two passing motorists were treated for shock.

A spokeswoman for the North West Ambulance Service said:

'One male fatality has been confirmed - the lorry driver sadly died at the scene.

'The crew treated just two other people who suffered shock, which is an absolute miracle when you consider that the lorry fell directly onto the carriageway of the motorway.''

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire Service said:

'Three crews from Warrington and Knutsford were at the scene making the lorry safe by extracting the battery and isolating the engine.

'Two hose reels were placed on stand-by in case of a fire or explosion as the work was being carried out, he added.'

The highways agency say the road is now fully reopened.

Any witnesses to the accident are urged to contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000.