M61 northbound delays at Preston due to car fire

The damage to cars on the M61 northbound Pic: Highways England

Preston’s motorway network ground to a halt again following a car fire on the M61 northbound.

Walton Summit was heavily congested due to the crash near Junction 9 of the M61 where it meets the M65 and M6.

The M61 has now reopened northbound after traffic was being diverted off onto the M65 and then onto the M6 northbound at Junction 29.

This is caused knock on delays on the M6 northbound from Junction 28 (Leyland).

Smoke was seen billowing from the cars at Junction 9 of the M61 Pic: Highways England

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service remained on the scene following the fire which began around 8am on Wednesday (1 August).

A spokeswoman for the fire service said: “The incident reportedly involved three vehicles and when firefighters arrived at the scene they found that two of the three cars involved were well alight, however there were no persons trapped.

“Crews extinguished the fire using three breathing apparatus and two hose reels with foam.

“A thermal imaging camera was also in use to assess the vehicles damaged by the fire and ensure the fire was properly extinguished.

“Firefighters were in attendance approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.”

Two cars were damaged during the fire and trapped traffic has now been released according to Highways England.

The motorway fully reopened around 11am on Wednesday.