Greater Manchester Police appeal for witnesses after major incident on M6 near Wigan claims woman's life
Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a fatal collision on the M6 this morning, which tragically claimed the life of a woman.
Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is appealing for information following a fatal collision on the M6 near Wigan earlier today.
Officers were called at around 7:50am to a concern for welfare on the bridge of Downall Green Road, which passes over the southbound carriageway of the M6 between junctions 25 and 24.
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene following a concern for welfare incident at 7.42am on the southbound carriageway, between J25 and J24 near Ashton-in-Makerfield.
Greater Manchester Police said they do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Officers were called to reports of a concern for welfare on the M6 at around 7.42am this morning (Friday, January 16).
“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.”
The SCIU is now asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident, been involved in a collision in the area, or has dashcam or CCTV footage of the event to come forward.
Members of the public with information can contact the SCIU directly on 0161 856 4741, quoting log 528 of 16/01/2026.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The incident caused severe disruption on the M6 southbound and police have thanked motorists for their patience while enquiries were carried out.
Investigations remain ongoing as officers work to establish the full circumstances of the collision.