M6 closed near Cannock after fatal lorry crash
A lorry driver has died in a crash on the M6 near Cannock which closed the motorway into the Black Country.
The M6 was closed after the lorry ploughed down an embankment and came to rest on its side at around 1.45pm.
The crash took place between Junction 12 at Gailey and Junction 13 for Stafford on the southbound carriageway.
An investigation into the crash was launched.
Central Motorway Police Group officers confirmed they were investigating a fatal crash and urged motorists to avoid the route.
Police worked to partially reopen the motorway to ease traffic through the evening rush hour.
But it would be closed fully at 8.30pm for around five hours to allow the lorry to be recovered.
Paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service have also attended the scene.
A spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a lorry which had left the carriageway and was on its side down an embankment.
"Sadly, ambulance staff were unable to save the driver of the lorry, a man, and he was confirmed dead on scene a short time later.”
Highways England warned motorists to expect delays of at least 80 minutes covering several miles in the aftermath.
The agency issued the following advice for drivers: "Diversion route details and guidance is as follows; exit at J13 and follow the route marked with a hollow yellow circle on local road signs.
"This will route traffic south on the A449 to Gailey and then east on the A5 to J12 of the M6."
