Commuters are facing delays after a crash between a van and a lorry closed a section of the M6 in both directions.
The motorway has been shut been junction 23 in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, and junction 24 in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Greater Manchester, National Highways said.
Merseyside Police said the crash at 22:00 BST on Sunday resulted in a vehicle fire with Merseyside Fire and Rescue also at the scene alongside its officers.
The southbound carriageway was opened at 07:30 but the northbound carriageway remains closed. Diversions have been put in place.