Woman dies after police called to M6
Police say they were called to a concern for welfare earlier this morning
Last updated 16th Jan 2026
A woman has died following a police-led incident that has shut a section of the M6 in both directions near Orrell.
Officers were called at around 7:42am on Friday 16th January 2026 to reports of a concern for welfare on the motorway.
Emergency services attended the scene, but the woman was sadly pronounced dead.
Formal identification is yet to take place, but Greater Manchester Police said there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.
Police statement
In a statement police tell us: "Officers were called to reports of a concern for welfare on the M6 at around 7:42am this morning (Friday 16 January 2026).
"Sadly a woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Formal identification has yet to take place but there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.
"Junctions 23-26 are currently closed both north and southbound which is causing significant disruption and we would encourage a review of travel plans and ask for patience as emergency services conduct their enquiries.
The M6 remains closed between junction 26 for Orrell (M58) and junction 23 for Haydock, causing long delays and significant disruption.
Greater Manchester Police said: “We would encourage a review of travel plans and ask for patience as emergency services conduct their enquiries.”
Delays of up to 60 minutes have been reported northbound, with five miles of congestion. Southbound traffic is facing delays of around 30 minutes and queues stretching for four miles.
Diversions in place
Diversion routes in place
Drivers heading southbound are being advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol on road signs. This takes traffic from junction 26 to the M58 westbound, then onto the A570 southbound and the A580 eastbound before rejoining the M6 at junction 23.
Northbound drivers should follow the solid triangle diversion symbol, using the same route in reverse.
National Highways is urging drivers to allow extra time for their journeys, consider re-routing, or delay travel if possible.
More updates are available via www.trafficengland.com