Drivers on M6 evacuated from cars after lorry crash spills 32,000 litres of gin

Drivers have been evacuated from their cars after a lorry crash spilt 32,000 litres of gin onto the M6 motorway.

Emergency services were called to the scene between junction 19 and junction 20 , at Knutsford, shortly before 5.30pm on Wednesday to reports of a crash between two HGVs.

One of the lorries involved, a tanker which was carrying the concentrated gin , is continuing to leak onto motorway.

Due to the flammability of the alcohol, North West Motorway Police and Cheshire Fire made the decision to close the motorway in both directions.

Queues of traffic, stretching six miles, has been stuck for hours after the crash on the M6 saw 32,000 litres of gin spilt onto the motorway. (Rachel Sargeant)

A spokesperson for Cheshire Police said: "The M6 in Cheshire remains closed at the current time following a multi-vehicle collision near Knutsford.

"The incident, which involves two HGVs, occurred shortly before 5.30pm today, Wednesday 4 September, on the northbound carriageway."

"A 300 metre cordon has been put in place as a precautionary measure and a number of motorists who were stuck in the trapped traffic have been evacuated from their vehicles.

"Firefighters are currently working at the scene to stem the source of the leak, they are also coating the spilt alcohol with foam to prevent it from igniting.

Images of the M6 northbound carriageway closed (Highways England)

"Crews are also working to contain the leaked fluid on the carriageway in order for it to be pumped into a replacement tanker."

The force also confirmed that there are no reports of any injuries as a result of the collision.

Many people have been tweeting about the incident, including those who are stuck in the traffic.

A map showing where the motorway closures begin and end was put out by Cheshire Police (Cheshire Police)

Twitter user @DeputyMitchell said: "3 hours stuck on the M6 after 32,000 litres of gin spilled after 2 trucks crashed a mile ahead of me.

"Police saying they’re turning the trapped cars/trucks around 1 by 1.

"Junction is 2 miles back. 3 lanes of stuck traffic = 6 miles of traffic to turn! Gonna be a long night."

Danny Booth also tweeted: "Stuck in the gin spillage on the M6 for 3 hours now, bored of games on phone...

"Ideas on how to pass time while stuck in traffic???"

Cheshire Police also said that there is no estimated time for when the M6 will reopen.

The added: "Emergency services are working hard to deal with the incident a quickly as possible, although there is currently no estimated time for when the road will reopen.

"Local diversions are in place, although motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible."