Lorry crashes off bridge on to motorway

A haulier was seriously injured today when his articulated lorry crashed off an over-bridge on to a motorway, police said.

No-one else was injured when the lorry cab and its trailer fell on to the southbound M6 near Coventry, blocking the hard shoulder and two lanes of the motorway, at about 10.40am.

Warwickshire Police said the drivers of two cars travelling southbound hit debris left in the road, but managed to avoid the lorry.

Southbound traffic passing the scene is being diverted on to the roundabout at junction two of the M6 and then back on to the motorway, although drivers are being advised to seek alternative routes if possible.

A police spokesman said the lorry driver was treated by paramedics at the scene and had been taken to hospital to be assessed.

The spokesman said: "The M6 southbound carriageway was closed following the collision and is likely to remain closed for most of the afternoon whilst the vehicle is recovered and repairs are made to the carriageway."