Police have launched an urgent investigation following a fatal incident on the M6 motorway near Wigan, which resulted in the death of a woman.
Motorway Closed for Hours After Tragic Event
The major motorway was forced to close for several hours on Friday, 16 January 2026, after emergency services were called to the scene. The closure caused significant disruption to traffic, with vehicles being diverted away from the affected area around junction 23.
Appeal for Witnesses to Come Forward
Officers from the relevant police force are now appealing directly to the public for information. They are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has dashcam footage that could assist their enquiries.
The exact circumstances surrounding the woman's death are currently under investigation. Authorities have not released further details about the victim at this early stage.
Ongoing Investigation and Travel Impact
The closure led to severe delays throughout Friday, with long queues forming as traffic was managed away from the scene. Recovery and investigation work continued for an extended period before all lanes were reopened.
This tragic event marks another serious incident on one of the UK's busiest transport corridors. Police are urging anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to contact them immediately to help piece together what happened.
