A “very serious” collision involving heavy goods vehicles and a car has closed the M6 northbound in Staffordshire between Junction 15 and Junction 16, causing disruption around Stoke-on-Trent and the A500.
The collision happened at about 4:10am on Monday, August 17. National Highways said emergency services attended the scene, with investigation, vehicle recovery and clean-up required before the motorway can fully return to normal.
The affected stretch runs between Junction 15 at Hanchurch, serving Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme via the A500, and Junction 16 at Barthomley, used for Stoke-on-Trent, Crewe, Nantwich and Chester.
Both directions were initially closed to allow emergency crews to work safely. The southbound carriageway later reopened, while the northbound side remained closed.
What happened on the M6 between J15 and J16?
The crash happened on the northbound carriageway shortly after 4am. Early reports differed over the precise number of HGVs involved, with some reporting two and later information citing National Highways referring to three HGVs and a car. Multiple large vehicles were involved and authorities described the incident as a very serious collision.
Staffordshire Police, West Midlands Ambulance Service, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and National Highways units attended the scene.
No confirmed information available at the time of writing establishes the cause of the collision or provides enough detail to responsibly report the number or severity of casualties.
Is the M6 still closed?
The main disruption is on the M6 northbound between J15 and J16. National Highways warned earlier that the closure could remain in place into the afternoon while investigation, recovery and clean-up work continues.
Southbound was initially closed for emergency access but later reopened. Traffic around both junctions can nevertheless remain heavy because vehicles are being diverted from the northbound carriageway.
Motorists may remember another M6 closure between Junctions 23 and 26, where disruption also affected surrounding roads as drivers sought alternative routes.
How bad are the delays?
Earlier reports indicated approximately three miles of congestion and delays of around 30 minutes. Those figures are a snapshot and can change quickly as traffic volumes and conditions at the scene develop.
The location is particularly important because this section carries local, long-distance and freight traffic between the Midlands and North West. Drivers heading towards Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Crewe, Nantwich and Chester may all experience disruption.
What is the M6 J15-J16 diversion?
Northbound motorists are advised to leave the M6 at Junction 15 and take the A500 towards Stoke-on-Trent. Drivers should continue along the A500 Queensway before rejoining the M6 at Junction 16.
The official route is marked with a hollow diamond diversion symbol. Additional motorway traffic on the A500 means local journeys around Stoke-on-Trent may also take longer.
Why could the closure last for hours?
Serious motorway collisions can require extensive investigation before damaged vehicles are moved. Recovering HGVs may need specialist equipment, while crews can also have to remove debris or spilled material and inspect the road surface and barriers.
An earlier serious A14 crash near the M1-M6 connection similarly demonstrated how incidents involving strategically important roads can create disruption beyond the immediate crash location.
England Free Bus Travel in August 2026: What Passengers Need to Know
What should drivers do?
Anyone planning to travel north through Staffordshire should check conditions immediately before leaving. The National Highways live travel service provides official information on motorway closures and delays.
Drivers should allow extra time, follow the signed diversion and remain alert to instructions from police and traffic officers. Traffic trapped behind the closure may also be released gradually when emergency services determine it is safe.
Key information for M6 drivers
Incident: Very serious collision involving multiple HGVs and a car.
Time: Approximately 4:10am on Monday, August 17.
Location: M6 northbound between J15 Hanchurch and J16 Barthomley.
Northbound: Closed, with disruption expected to continue.
Southbound: Reopened after initially being closed.
Earlier delays: Around 30 minutes with approximately three miles of congestion.
Diversion: Leave at J15, follow the A500 towards Stoke-on-Trent and rejoin the M6 at J16.
Emergency response: Police, ambulance, fire and National Highways attended.
Motorists travelling later on Monday should continue checking official updates. A precise reopening time, the cause of the collision and casualty details should not be assumed until authorities provide further confirmed information.
Make Swikblog your go-to source on Google for reliable updates, smart insights, and daily trends.
