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Motorway Was Forced To Close After 32,000 litres Of Gin Leaked Onto Road

Motorway Was Forced To Close After 32,000 litres Of Gin Leaked Onto Road

Firefighters had to douse the highly flammable liquid with foam

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

A UK motorway was once closed down after 32,000 litres of 'concentrated gin' seeped out onto the road following a crash.

Back in September 2019, the M6 northbound carriage between junctions 19 and 20 had to be closed after a collision between two lorries - one of which happened to be carrying litres of booze that leaked out onto the road.

Where's a lorry full of tonic when you need it, eh?

The thousands of litres of gin presented a real hazard to road users - not just because of the sheer amount, but also because it was concentrated.

The highly flammable liquid had to be doused with foam by firefighters in an attempt to stop it catching alight, which would have been an absolute disaster for anyone attempting to travel in the area.

While dealing with the incident - or 'gincident' as it was dubbed - motorists were told to completely avoid the area.

A statement from Cheshire Fire and Rescue said: "Shortly before 5.30pm firefighters were called to reports of a collision on the M6 northbound, near Knutsford.

"On arrival at the scene the crews discovered the incident involved two HGVs.

"One of vehicles involved is a tanker which is carrying approximately 32,000 litres of concentrated gin which is leaking onto the carriageway.

"Due to the flammability of the alcohol a decision was taken to close the motorway in both directions as a precautionary measure. Firefighters are currently working hard to stem the leak.

"Crews are also coating the spilt alcohol with foam to prevent it from igniting.

"There are no reports of any injuries at the current time."

A later update from 8.30pm said firefighters had to continue to coating the spilt alcohol with foam to prevent it from igniting, while also attempting to stem the source of the leak.

Nantwich Police, meanwhile, dubbed the incident a 'gincident', saying that it resulted in 'long delays' for motorists in the area.

Presumably those stuck in traffic were ready for a stiff drink themselves after that.

Advising those travelling about alternate routes, Highways England said: "The M6 northbound in Cheshire is closed between junctions 19 and 20 due to a collision.

"A diversion route is in place: Exit the M6 at junction 19 and join the A556 northbound towards Altrincham. Then join the M56 westbound towards Runcorn, to then re-join the M6. Follow the solid black square diversion symbol."

Featured Image Credit: Highways England

Topics: Weird, UK