Motorists are evacuated from their cars and trains are on divert after a propane gas tanker goes up in flames on the M56

  • Calorg gas tanker caught fire at Junction 14 on M56 near Helsby, Cheshire
  • Drivers were told to abandon their vehicles as fire fighters battled the blaze
  • Residents nearby told to keep doors and windows closed to avoid fumes
  • Cheshire Police confirmed no one had been injured in the incident 

By JENNIFER SMITH FOR MAILONLINE

Published: | Updated:

Motorists have been evacuated from their cars and trains put on divert after a propane gas tanker caught fire on the M56. 

Drivers were told to abandon their vehicles on the road as flames and smoke billowed from the Calor gas lorry at junction 14 near Helsby in Cheshire.

All trains running through the station have been cancelled while residents in the town have been told to keep their doors and windows closed until the blaze is contained. 

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Motorists were evacuated from their vehicles on the M56 after a propane gas tanker caught fire in Cheshire

Motorists were evacuated from their vehicles on the M56 after a propane gas tanker caught fire in Cheshire

No one, including the tanker's driver, is thought to have been injured in the incident though police said there was a risk of explosion. 

The motorway has been closed in both directions as fire fighters continue to battle the blaze which began at around 3pm. 

Initial reports claimed a no fly zone had been implemented in the area but the Civil Aviation Authority said it had not yet received a request from emergency services to stop aircraft flying overhead.  

Cheshire Fire and Rescue said it had enforced a 1500m cordon which is likely to cause disruption for 'several hours'.  

'Firefighters are tackling a blaze involving a lorry on the hard shoulder of the M56 westbound close to Stanlow,' a spokesman said. 

The motorway is now closed in both directions and motorists are advised to avoid the area while crews deal with the incident.'

Drivers watched in shock as flames and black smoke billowed from the vehicle after being evacuated 

Drivers watched in shock as flames and black smoke billowed from the vehicle after being evacuated 

No one was  injured in the incident, including the Calor driver who was at the wheel when the fire began

No one was  injured in the incident, including the Calor driver who was at the wheel when the fire began

Meanwhile all trains running to Helsby have been closed with Arriva Trains Wales advising passengers wishing to travel through the area to seek an alternative route. 

'Due to a problem near the railway at Helsby all lines are closed. Trains running through this station may be cancelled, delayed or diverted,' a spokesman said. 

Cheshire Police confirmed no one had been injured in the incident, including the tanker's driver. 

Calor gas told MailOnline it was investigating the cause of the fire but that it was largely under control. 

'One of our mini bulk tankers caught fire on the M56 this afternoon and we are investigating the cause. 

'The main fire is now out with the vehicle’s safety mechanisms working properly to contain the fire. 

'Our driver informed us as soon as the fire started and a Calor response vehicle has been sent to assist with the tanker’s recovery.

'We would like to thank the emergency services, with whom we are working closely, for their quick response in securing the incident.' 

The fire was brought under control later on Monday evening but delays lasted into the night.  

A 1500m cordon was put in place as Cheshire Fire and Rescue work to contain the blaze in Cheshire 

A 1500m cordon was put in place as Cheshire Fire and Rescue work to contain the blaze in Cheshire 

The fire was contained to the vehicle and brought under control by fire fighters later on Monday afternoon (above)

The fire was contained to the vehicle and brought under control by fire fighters later on Monday afternoon (above)

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