THE southbound carriageway of the M6 between Lymm and Knutsford is now open again, following a collision involving eight cars and two vans. 

Two people have been taken to hospital, one by air ambulance, with serious injuries, following the incident at 10.44am today, Friday.  

They were both on spinal boards, according to the Highways Agency.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue said one man had to be cut from a van, and a woman had to cut from a hatchback car. 

Three fire engines from Warrington attended the incident.

Another person suffered minor injuries. 

The motorway was opened again at 1.10pm.

Queues were reported back to junction 20 at Lymm Interchange. 

The northbound carriageway was closed at J19, Knutsford, to allow the air ambulance to land, but it is now open again.

The HA said emergency crews have cleared all vehicles involved in the collision.

Drivers are advised congestion is also being reported on the M56 as a result of the incident.