A 41-year-old man has died following a collision involving a van and a lorry on the M6 northbound on Sunday night (October 18). Merseyside Police received a report of the crash between junction 23 at Newton-le-Willows and junction 24 at Ashton-in-Makerfield at around 9.55pm.
The crash caused one of the vehicles to catch fire. The van driver was pronounced dead at the scene. He has been named as Vadim Suflet, whose family is being supported by specialist officers, police said. The lorry driver stopped at the scene and is assisting police with enquiries.
Road Closure and Resurfacing
The northbound carriageway remains closed between junctions 23 and 24, with diversions in place as emergency resurfacing works continue. Drivers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and check the National Highways website before travelling.
National Highways said the closure was expected to remain in place throughout Monday and "into the night" following significant damage to the road surface caused by the fire and a large fuel spillage.
In an update, the agency said: "The M6 in Greater Manchester is closed northbound between J23 (Newton Le Willows) and J24 (Ashton In Makerfield). This is to allow for emergency resurfacing works to take place following a serious collision which occurred just prior to 10pm last night (October 18)."
Investigation and Witness Appeal
Police collision investigation works took place throughout the night and into the morning under a full closure of the road in both directions. The southbound carriageway re-opened at approximately 7.30am. Lanes 1, 2 and 3 (of 4) require full resurfacing, and due to safety requirements, lane 4 also needs to remain closed until the works are completed. National Highways added there was currently no estimated time for the northbound carriageway to reopen.
Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, from Merseyside Police's Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), appealed for witnesses to come forward. He said: "First and foremost, our heartfelt condolences are with Vadim's loved ones at this extremely difficult time. Our priority is to provide support and answers to his family to establish what happened, and to this end we are appealing for any witnesses to come forward as a matter of urgency."
Diversion Route and Contact
Road users heading northbound are advised to follow the hollow diamond diversion symbol on road signs: leave the M6 at J23 and at the roundabout take the second exit onto the A580 heading west, follow the A580 to the A580/A58 junction and turn right onto the A58 eastbound, then continue on the A58 eastbound back to the M6 J24 and rejoin the M6 northbound at J24 to continue your journey.
Anyone with information on the incident should contact Merseyside Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0151 777 5747 quoting incident reference 26000857221. Alternatively, contact the social media desk via Facebook or X @MerPolCC, or report information via the force's website.
