M6 Remains Closed Following Serious Accident - Traffic Facing Major Delays and Diversions

The M6 in Cumbria remains closed southbound between J41 (Catterlen) and J40 (Penrith) due to a serious collision involving two vehicles.

Emergency services including Cumbria Police and the Air ambulance remain in attendance at the incident that was first reported at 1.12pm.

The collision involved a HGV and a Seat Tarraco the driver of the HGV was uninjured.

A rear seat occupant of the Seat was taken to hospital via air ambulance with life threatening injuries. 

The driver of the Seat was uninjured. Two other occupants suffered minor injuries.

National Highways Traffic Officers are on scene assisting with traffic management with diversions leading to substantial congestion on all roads in and around Penrith.

Traffic is being diverted via the solid diamond symbol on road signs:

Exit M6 J41, take B5305 eastbound.

At Stoneybeck roundabout take fourth exit onto A6 southbound.

Proceed on Scotland Road (A6) through one-way system and along Brunswick Road.

At Morrison's roundabout take second exit onto Ullswater Road signed for Keswick and M6.

Continue along Ullswater Road (A592) to J40.

Take second exit off J40 onto M6 southbound.

Drivers are advised to avoid the area if possible or allow extra time for your journey.

The M6 Southbound is expected to remain closed until later this evening.

Anyone who witnessed or has dashcam relating to this incident can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it , quoting incident number 99 of 7 April 2026. 

You can also phone on 101.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.