Traffic chaos after tanker overturns on motorway

The M6 motorway was closed was closed in both directions after a petrol tanker overturned and spewed petrol over the road surface causing traffic chaos, police said.

The M6 motorway was closed was closed in both directions after a petrol tanker overturned and spewed petrol over the road surface causing traffic chaos, police said.

Motorists were caught up in lengthy tailbacks for several hours following the accident at junction 32 of the M6 northbound near Broughton, Lancashire.

Police said that queues remained up to 15 miles long this evening and nearby Preston was gridlocked with diverted traffic.

The football match between Preston North End and Gillingham was delayed for an hour to allow supporters and the visiting team's coach to arrive at the stadium, Lancashire Police said.

"The chaos is absolutely horrendous," a spokesman said.

"We have managed to escort vehicles that were immediately behind the accident off the motorway and other traffic is being very slowly diverted."

The motorway was closed between junctions 29 and 32 northbound and junctions 32 and 31 southbound.

The accident happened just after 11am and also involved two cars.