A major accident resulting in a car fire has caused the closure of the M57 motorway. The incident, which occurred earlier this evening, led to the presence of multiple emergency services at the scene, causing significant traffic congestion. The closure affected the M57 northbound from J2 A57 Liverpool Road (Prescot) to J3 A526 Seth Powell Way (Stockbridge Village), as reported by the traffic management system Inrix.
The National Highways agency issued warnings indicating that the closure is expected to last for several hours, with an update later stating that the motorway would remain closed overnight. All emergency services were involved in responding to the incident, according to the agency.
Inrix provided details, stating, “M57 Northbound closed, severe delays due to vehicle fire between J2 A57 Liverpool Road (Prescot) and J3 A526 Seth Powell Way (Stockbridge Village), with congestion extending to J1 (Tarbock Island) as traffic diverts through Huyton.”
Following a serious crash where a car left the carriageway and caught fire, the M57 motorway will continue to be closed in both directions this evening. Emergency services were alerted to the single-vehicle collision on the northbound side near junction 3 in Knowsley shortly after 3 pm.
In response to the incident, Knowsley Council issued a statement confirming the closure of the M57 in both directions between Junction 2 (Prescot/Huyton) and Junction 3 due to the serious collision. The council advised motorists to seek alternative routes and avoid the affected area.
Emergency services promptly arrived at the scene of the vehicle fire after the car left the motorway and caught fire. The condition of the driver and any passengers involved remains unconfirmed. Various emergency vehicles, including an air ambulance, fire engines, ambulances, and police vehicles, were present at the scene.
Merseyside Police announced road closures in the area and advised motorists to steer clear of the affected zone. Updates on the situation will be provided as they become available.
Inrix’s latest update indicated severe delays and closures on both sides of the M57 due to the vehicle fire incident. The closure and resulting congestion are expected to persist throughout the evening, with National Highways coordinating the response alongside Merseyside police.
Motorists on the M57 reported standstill traffic, with a significant presence of emergency vehicles at the scene. The closure is anticipated to continue for the remainder of the evening, as confirmed by National Highways.