Biker fighting for life after eight vehicle crash shuts M62 for more than seven hours

Friday, 30 May 2025 08:55

By David Murphy

A motorcyclist is in a critical condition following a serious collision involving eight vehicles on the M62 near Huddersfield, which brought traffic to a standstill for over seven hours.

A 51 year old biker is fighting for his life after a major crash on the M62 eastbound carriageway near junction 23 at Huddersfield.

The crash, which occurred shortly after 5.40pm on Thursday, saw eight vehicles involved just before the exit slip road. West Yorkshire Police confirmed this morning, Friday30 May, that the man sustained life threatening injuries and remains in hospital in critical condition.

Emergency services, including an air ambulance, were called to the scene and the motorway was shut eastbound between junctions 22 and 24. Traffic was gridlocked from Rishworth Moor in Denshaw to New Hey Road, with drivers stuck in their vehicles for hours.

National Highways began releasing trapped traffic at approximately 9.30pm, but many drivers reported being stranded for over six hours. The road finally reopened around 1am.

Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the crash and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Enquiries into the collision, which led to the carriageway being closed until around 1am today, are continuing and officers at the Roads Policing Unit are keen to speak with anyone who witnessed it, or anyone who may have footage to assist this investigation.

"The Unit can be contacted on 101, or by using the livechat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website. The reference to quote is 13250302116."