THE family of a Liverpool lorry driver killed when his wagon plunged from a bridge onto the busy M56 motorway last night paid tribute to their “hero”.

Stobart driver Tony Sainsbury, 42, died instantly after his HGV tumbled 30ft from the A56 onto the motorway near Preston Brook, Runcorn, on Monday afternoon.

His wife, Lucie, said the family, including his two young children, had been left “truly devastated” by the tragic accident.

A statement released by the family said: “Tony was the centre of our family; a hero to his two beautiful children, a wonderful husband and devoted son.

“He embodied everything that was loyal, honest and decent.

“Every child would wish for a father like him, every wife a husband like him, every mother a son just like him.

“Everybody who knew him, knew how lucky they were to have somebody like him in their lives and his love, generosity and kindness will always remain with us and see us through this seemingly impossible time – for at the end of a storm is a golden sky.

“For the sake of his wife, elderly mother and two young children we would respectfully ask that we are allowed to grieve privately.”

Colleagues said Mr Sainsbury, an experienced haulier based at the group’s Widnes port depot, had just returned from a family holiday in Florida.

Andrew Tinkler, chief executive of Stobart Group, confirmed that the firm was working with police investigating the crash.

He added: “Stobart Group would like to pass on its sincerest condolences to the family of the driver at this extremely difficult time and we will be offering them our full support.”

On online truck driver forums colleagues expressed shock and upset at the crash, with some speculating that the lorry, which was laden with household goods, may have jack-knifed while leaving a roundabout.

One haulier wrote: “He was my friend and a wonderful person.

“Would help anyone out and you could not wish to meet a nicer fella.”

Another said: “It’s so sad to hear news that another driver has lost his life.

“It’s been a really bad weekend from the bad crash on the M5 to the crash on the M6 on Sunday morning and now this one.

“To all the drivers on here let’s stay safe and lads, don’t take any risks.”

Commuters faced traffic chaos following the accident, which saw the M56 shut off in both directions, with congestion so bad Mersey Tunnels police reported log-jams.

The road was fully reopened to traffic at 5am yesterday morning following a structural assessment of the bridge.

No other vehicles were involved in the incident although two passing motorists were treated for shock.

A spokeswoman for the North West Air Ambulance said: “One male fatality was confirmed – the lorry driver sadly died at the scene.

“The crew treated just two other people who suffered shock, which is an absolute miracle when you consider the lorry fell directly on to the carriageway of the motorway.”

Anyone with information, or who witnessed the accident is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000.