M6 closed after serious crash involving three HGVs and car

A serious collision involving three heavy goods vehicles and a car has closed a major section of the M6 motorway in both directions, causing significant delays for motorists in North Staffordshire. The incident occurred on the northbound carriageway between junctions 15 and 16, near Stoke-on-Trent, at approximately 4:10 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026. Emergency services, including Staffordshire Police, West Midlands Ambulance Service, and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, responded to the scene, which authorities have described as a very serious collision.

National Highways confirmed the motorway was shut in both directions to allow emergency crews access and to facilitate a full investigation. The southbound carriageway was temporarily closed to install safety screens around the scene but has since been reopened. However, the northbound carriageway remains closed and is expected to stay shut well into the afternoon as investigative work, recovery, and cleanup operations continue. A National Highways spokesperson stated that the closure will be protracted due to the severity of the incident.

Significant queues and lengthy delays have built up on surrounding roads as a...