**Police Crack Down on Motorists Filming Scene of M6 Multiple-Vehicle Collision**
Authorities in Lancashire have delivered a pointed warning to drivers caught using their phones to film the scene of a serious crash on the M6 motorway, underscoring the danger and illegality of such actions. The incident, which occurred between junction 33 and Forton Services near Lancaster, involved four vehicles and left nine people injured, including very young children.
Emergency services were called to the southbound carriageway after the accident unfolded, finding a total of nine individuals hurt. Amongst those taken to hospital were a 12-month-old boy and a six-year-old girl, with several of the injured suffering serious consequences. Both the driver and front seat passenger of a BMW, believed to be in their 30s, along with the young girl in the back seat, were classed as having severe injuries. A one-year-old also seated at the rear of the car sustained less significant harm.
Other vehicles involved in the crash included a Honda CR-V, whose occupants—both in their 80s—were fortunately left with only minor injuries. A Nissan X-Trail driver in her 30s likewise suffered minor injuries, while a man and woman in their 60s travelling in a Honda HR-V were reported by police to have serious injuries. At present, eight of the nine injured remain in hospital as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
The crash caused widespread disruption on the motorway and the surrounding routes, leading to lengthy closures and significant delays while emergency teams attended to casualties and cleared the site. The intensity of the response was amplified by the deployment of an air ambulance, underlining the gravity of the incident.
As the emergency services carried out their duties—attending to the injured, ensuring vehicles were safe, and documenting evidence—police say a number of passing drivers behaved recklessly by filming the aftermath with their mobile phones from the opposite carriageway. Lancashire Police have condemned such behaviour, describing it as both hazardous and against the law.
Inspector Steve Scott, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, spoke candidly about the risks posed by motorists who pass accident scenes distracted by their devices. “Our officers and emergency service colleagues responded to a critical call, striving to safeguard those involved in an extremely distressing event. Meanwhile, several drivers made the irresponsible decision to film as they drove past—some even sharing this material online.”
He highlighted that among those observed filming were a minibus driver, reportedly carrying children, as well as an HGV driver. Footage taken from car windows has already appeared on social media, and at least five separate instances of such filming have been documented. Inspector Scott confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway to identify all involved, with the intention that any drivers caught in the act will be “dealt with appropriately”.
The police have stressed that using a mobile phone while driving—particularly at the site of a major incident—puts both the driver and others at heightened risk. “This is not only unsafe, it is an offence. Those found to be in breach of the law will face consequences. Their actions demonstrate a disregard for the safety, privacy, and dignity of those affected by this accident.”
In an appeal to public conscience and road safety, Inspector Scott added, “We understand delays on the motorway can be frustrating, but no diversion or wait justifies jeopardising lives or filming people at their most vulnerable. Real families are involved; these are not curiosity pieces for entertainment.”
Officers have encouraged any witnesses or those holding dashcam footage to come forward to assist with their ongoing inquiry. Meanwhile, they are reiterating the importance of responsible behaviour on roads, particularly around the aftermath of emergencies.
The M6 has since reopened fully following necessary repairs, yet the impact on those caught up in the collision—and the wider public—serves as a poignant reminder of the perils present on the UK’s busiest motorways. Police continue to monitor social media for any further videos and warn that all available evidence will be scrutinised in their pursuit of justice.