A MAN has died after a car crashed into a bridge on the M6 yesterday afternoon.

The motorway was shut for around seven hours after the incident on the motorway southbound between junction 20 at Lymm and junction 19 at Knutsford.

And Cheshire Police have confirmed this morning that the driver of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.

Meanwhile, a passenger in the Mazda car was rushed to hospital after suffering serious injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening.

A force spokesman said: "Officers are appealing for information following a fatal collision on the M6.

"At 3.58pm on Wednesday, May 12, police were called to the M6 between junction 20 and junction 19 following reports of a serious collision involving a red Mazda that had collided with a bridge. 

"The driver of the Mazda, a man, sadly died at the scene.

"His next of kin have been informed.

"A passenger of the Mazda, a woman, was taken to hospital for serious but non life-threatening injuries.

"Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or may have any dashcam footage of the vehicle before the incident to come forward."

The M6 was fully closed southbound at around 4.30pm, and remained shut until roughly 11pm.

An air ambulance was also called to the scene, temporarily closing the motorway northbound.

Four fire engines attended and cut the occupants from the car.

A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "At around 4pm, firefighters were informed of a collision on the M6 southbound between junctions 20 and 19.

"On arrival, crews discovered that a saloon car had collided with a bridge and that two people were trapped inside the vehicle.

"The motorway was closed as emergency services worked at the scene.

"Firefighters used specialist cutting equipment to remove the car's roof.

"They then got the casualties out of the vehicle and handed them over to the care of paramedics.

"An air ambulance was in attendance."

Anyone with any information is urged to contact the force on 101, quoting incident number IML986284, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.