Motorcyclist dies in collision that left M6 closed for hours
A motorcyclist has died after a collision that closed the M6 for several hours.
The M6 northbound was closed on Monday afternoon between junctions 15 and 16 following a "serious collision," causing delays back to Stafford and beyond.
It was later confirmed by Staffordshire Police that the motorcyclist, a 65-year-old man from Wiltshire, had died after the collision with a white Peugeot 208.
A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: "Police were called at 12.20pm this afternoon to reports of a collision on the northbound carriageway of the M6 near Keele Services, between junctions 15 and 16.
"Paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance attended, as well as an air ambulance.
"Sadly, despite the best efforts of medical staff, the motorcyclist, a 65-year-old man from the Wiltshire area, was pronounced dead at the scene.
"Specialist officers are supporting the man's family at this difficult time.
"Witnesses who may have seen the vehicles before the collision or anyone with relevant dashcam footage are urged to get in touch."
Delays were in the region of two hours.
According to National Highways, emergency services were on the scene following the crash, which caused major traffic build-up between Junction 15 (Stoke) and Junction 16 (Crewe).
Drivers heading north on the M6 were advised to allow extra time for their journeys and follow "diamond diversion symbols on roads signs", while the Central Motorway Police Group urged people to avoid the area if possible.
National Highways warned drivers they will need to leave the M6 at Junction 15 and join the A500 eastbound, following the road around Stoke and rejoining at Junction 16.
The agency's traffic map showed slowing traffic all the way back to Junction 13.
All lanes reopened at around 4.30pm but there was still seven miles of congestion at that point, "causing delays in excess of 120 minutes."
A West Midlands Ambulance Service Spokesperson said: “We were called at 12:07pm to reports of an RTC involving a car and motorbike between junctions 15 and 16 of the M6 North.
"We sent one ambulance, a paramedic officer, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford and the Midlands Air Ambulance critical care car to the scene.”
