A "serious" crash has closed the M57 with reports of a car catching fire and multiple emergency services in attendance earlier this evening.
Drivers were stuck in gridlocked traffic as rescuers attended the scene, traffic management system Inrix reported. There were tailbacks on the M57 northbound from J2 A57 Liverpool Road (Prescot) and J3 A526 Seth Powell Way (Stockbridge Village).
The National Highways agency warned that the closure is expected to remain in place for several hours, upgrading their warning later to say it would be closed overnight. They added that all emergency services had been in attendance.
Traffic site Inrix says: "M57 Northbound closed, severe delays due to vehicle fire between J2 A57 Liverpool Road (Prescot) and J3 A526 Seth Powell Way (Stockbridge Village). Congestion to J1 (Tarbock Island) as traffic detours through Huyton."
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The M57 motorway will remain closed in both directions this evening after a car left the carriageway and caught fire in a serious crash. Emergency services were called shortly after 3pm today (Tuesday, September 10) to reports of a single-vehicle collision on the northbound side of the M57 near junction 3 in Knowsley.
Knowsley Council has issued a statement: "The M57 is closed in both directions between Junction 2 (Prescot/Huyton) and Junction 3 due to a serious collision.
"It is likely that the motorway will be closed for the rest of the evening.
"Motorists are advised to avoid the area and find an alternative route."
Both sides of M57 closed due to an accident #M57 find alternative route pic.twitter.com/JhLvt3dXkE
The closure of the M57 has been closed in both directions due to a vehicle fire.
Emergency services rushed to the scene after a car left the motorway and caught fire. Rescuers were called shortly after 3pm today, September 10, following reports of a single vehicle collision on the M57 in Knowsley.
First responders arrived at the scene to find a car had left the motorway and caught fire on the northbound carriageway close to junction 3. The condition of the driver or any passengers has not yet been confirmed.
An air ambulance was seen landing at the scene, alongside multiple fire engines, ambulances, and police vehicles.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police added: "Road closures are in place and motorists are advised to avoid the area while the matter is being dealt with.
"Further updates will be issued once available."
In an update, Inrix said: "M57 in both directions closed, severe delays due to vehicle fire between J2 A57 Liverpool Road (Prescot) and J3 A526 Seth Powell Way (Stockbridge Village).
"Congestion to J1 (Tarbock Island) and routes through Huyton as traffic diverts."
The closure is expected to remain in place throughout the evening.
National Highways have said: "The M57 is closed in both directions between J2 (Prescot) and J3 (Knowsley) due to a serious collision.
"Merseyside police are leading the response at this stage with National Highways Traffic Officers and contractors assisting with strategic closures on the approach."
Motorists on the M57 have reported traffic is currently at a standstill. The road is expected to 'remain closed throughout the evening', according to National Highways.
According to motorists on the M57, there are a huge number of fire engines, ambulances and police vehicles in attendance.
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