M6 Suicide Report — Woman Found Dead in Greater Manchester, UK | January 16, 2026
GREATER MANCHESTER, UK — Emergency services responded early on January 16, 2026, to a welfare concern on the M6 motorway in Greater Manchester, where a woman was tragically found dead at the scene. The incident, which prompted the closure of a major stretch of the M6 and an ongoing police investigation, has drawn significant regional attention due to its impact on motorists and ongoing enquiries by Greater Manchester Police (GMP). (GMP Police)
At approximately 7:42 a.m. GMT, officers were called to a welfare concern report at the Downall Green Road bridge over the M6 southbound, between junctions 25 and 24. On arrival, emergency responders and police located a woman deceased at the scene. She was pronounced dead by attending officers, and formal identification is yet to take place. There are currently no indications of suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. (GMP Police)
Police Investigation and Classification
Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) has taken the lead on the case. Officers describe the situation as a police-led incident, and enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances and any contributory factors. Members of the public are being urged to assist the investigation by providing any information, witness accounts, or dashcam and CCTV footage relating to the moments leading up to the fatality. (GMP Police)
Detectives have issued an appeal for information, requesting that anyone who may have seen the incident itself, or who may have collided with an object on the carriageway around the time of the incident, contact GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit at 0161 856 4741, quoting log 528 of 16/01/2026. Alternatively, witnesses can provide information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. (GMP Police)
Road Closure and Public Response
Due to the location of the tragic discovery, the M6 motorway was closed both northbound and southbound between junction 23 (East Lancs Road) and junction 26 (M58 Orrell Interchange). The closure, which lasted for most of the day, caused major delays and significant congestion across Greater Manchester, with queues stretching multiple miles as traffic was diverted. (UK News in Pictures)
National Highways, which manages the strategic road network in the UK, confirmed that the M6 would remain closed for a number of hours as emergency services and GMP conducted their enquiries and forensic work. Drivers were advised to review travel plans, expect delays of up to 60 minutes on the northbound carriageway and 30 minutes southbound, and use alternative routes where possible. (AOL)
Welfare Concern and Context
Initial reports indicate that the incident began as a concern for the welfare of a woman flagged by members of the public. The nature of welfare calls varies, and in this case, tragically culminated in the woman being found dead at the scene. At this stage, police have reiterated there are no “suspicious circumstances,” suggesting no evidence of criminal activity or foul play, and the focus remains on establishing the details of how and why she came to be on the busy motorway. (UK News in Pictures)
Although formal identification has not yet been confirmed, GMP’s appeal for witnesses reflects both the seriousness with which police approach sudden deaths and the importance of community cooperation in Victorian cases along major transport routes. Public assistance can be invaluable in reconstructing a timeline of events and confirming the presence of third parties or external factors. (GMP Police)
Mental Health and Suicide Awareness
While authorities have not issued a formal determination of the cause of death, incidents where individuals are found dead on or near busy roadways often raise concerns related to mental health and suicide. In the UK, suicide remains a significant public health issue, affecting individuals across all demographics. National charities such as Samaritans provide confidential support — the Samaritans can be contacted by phone on 116 123 or email at jo@samaritans.org for anyone struggling with thoughts of self-harm or in need of emotional support. (The Sun)
Health professionals stress that crisis intervention, early support, and open conversation around mental health challenges are critical to prevention. If anyone feels they, or someone they know, may be at risk, immediate help from trained professionals and support organisations is strongly encouraged.
Ongoing Enquiries
As of late evening on January 16, 2026, GMP continues its investigation into the incident on the M6. Police officers remain at the scene coordinating with forensic specialists, while National Highways works to safely clear and reopen the closed sections of the motorway. Further updates are expected as formal identification procedures progress and investigators assemble a comprehensive review of the circumstances. (GMP Police)
Authorities have thanked members of the public for their patience during what was described as a “serious and sensitive enquiry” and reiterated that continued cooperation from witnesses could be crucial to understanding the events that led to this tragic loss of life on one of the UK’s busiest roadways. (GMP Police)
