Dramatic photos from Wednesday evening's lorry fire on the M56 motorway have been revealed.

The eastbound carriageway of the motorway between Junctions 14 (Helsby) and 12 (Runcorn) was shut for several hours after a huge fire began at the large goods vehicle on the hard shoulder, shortly before the Runcorn turn-off.

 

Photos from Wednesdays lorry fire on the M56. Pictures: Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Photos from Wednesday's lorry fire on the M56. Pictures: Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

 

Thick plumes of smoke were seen coming from the lorry that evening, and the westbound carriageway also had to be closed for motorists' safety.

Thankfully, the driver of the lorry emerged safe and well.

 

Photos from Wednesdays lorry fire on the M56. Pictures: Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Photos from Wednesday's lorry fire on the M56. Pictures: Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

 

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service took these photos of the incident as they spent several hours extinguishing the vehicle and clearing up afterwards. It is understood the lorry was carrying top soil and cardboard waste, and firefighters were able to quicken the extinguishing process by dragging the contents on to the carriageway and remove the last of the burning material.

Three fire engines from Powey Lane, Runcorn and Ellesmere Port, plus the service's water bowser for water supply, were deployed to the scene after being alerted at 7.38pm. The fire service was present for about seven and a half hours, with traffic allowed to move on the eastbound carriageway by 10.15pm.

 

Photos from Wednesdays lorry fire on the M56. Pictures: Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Photos from Wednesday's lorry fire on the M56. Pictures: Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

 

There were further delays to motorists on Thursday morning as one lane of the eastbound carriageway was closed for resurfacing.