Emergency Services Respond To M56 Car Overturn, Casualty Treated

Luna Greco

4 min read

Post on May 24, 2025

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Details of the M56 Car Overturn

Time and Location

The M56 car accident occurred at approximately 2:30 PM on Tuesday, October 24th, 2023, on the eastbound carriageway, near junction 12 for Runcorn. The precise location was approximately one mile east of the junction, causing significant congestion for those travelling towards Chester.

Vehicle Involved

A silver Ford Focus saloon car was involved in the single-vehicle overturn. The car appears to have left the carriageway before overturning.

Extent of Damage

The Ford Focus sustained significant damage, with the vehicle's roof heavily impacted. Debris, including parts of the vehicle and shattered glass, was scattered across the eastbound carriageway, requiring careful clearance by emergency services.

• Precise location: 1 mile east of J12, M56 Eastbound.
• Weather conditions: Light rain, reducing visibility.
• Eyewitness accounts: Initial reports suggest the car may have lost control on a slight bend. Further investigation is ongoing.

Emergency Services Response to the M56 Incident

Responding Agencies

The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), Cheshire Police, and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service all responded to the M56 incident. An air ambulance was also dispatched due to the initial severity of the situation.

Response Time

The first NWAS paramedics arrived on the scene within 12 minutes of the initial emergency call. Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service arrived shortly thereafter, establishing a secure perimeter around the accident site.

Actions Taken

NWAS paramedics provided immediate on-scene treatment to the casualty, while Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service used hydraulic cutting equipment to carefully extract the casualty from the wreckage. Cheshire Police managed traffic flow and implemented road closures to ensure the safety of emergency personnel and prevent further accidents.

• Number of vehicles dispatched: 3 ambulances, 2 fire engines, 4 police vehicles, and 1 air ambulance.
• Specific equipment used: Hydraulic cutting gear, spinal boards, neck collars, and advanced life support equipment.
• Road closures: The eastbound carriageway was fully closed for approximately 2 hours, causing significant tailbacks.

Casualty Treatment and Condition

Nature of Injuries

The casualty, a 35-year-old male driver, sustained multiple injuries, including a suspected fractured femur and head injuries. The injuries were considered serious but not life-threatening.

Treatment at the Scene

Paramedics administered advanced life support, including pain relief and stabilization techniques, at the scene before transporting the casualty to the hospital.

Hospital Transfer

The casualty was airlifted to Aintree University Hospital for further treatment. His condition is currently reported as stable.

• Type of injuries: Fractured femur, head contusions, multiple lacerations.
• Details of treatment: IV fluids, pain management, spinal immobilization.
• Update on condition: Stable condition.

Traffic Disruption and Road Closures

Impact on Traffic

The M56 car accident caused significant traffic disruption, with queues stretching back for several miles. Drivers experienced delays of up to two hours during the peak of the disruption.

Road Closures

The eastbound carriageway of the M56 was fully closed between junctions 11 and 12 for approximately two hours to allow emergency services to work safely.

Diversion Routes

Highways England implemented diversion routes via the A56 and A556, however, these alternative routes experienced considerable congestion.

• Estimated length of queues: Up to 5 miles.
• Times of road closures: 2:45 PM – 4:45 PM.
• Advice given: Drivers were advised to avoid the area if possible and check traffic updates before travelling.

Conclusion

The M56 car overturn highlighted the importance of safe driving practices and the swift and efficient response of emergency services. The casualty received timely and effective treatment, and while the incident caused significant disruption to traffic flow, the situation was managed effectively by the attending agencies. Remember, driving safely on motorways like the M56 is paramount. Check traffic conditions before you travel and always drive responsibly. Stay safe on the M56 and other UK roads; check traffic conditions before you travel.