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."

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Seven Sisters tenants reaction to the news they could soon be removed

Billy Jackson has called Rochdale’s Seven Sisters home for 40 years. But shock decision means 2025 will be his final year in the iconic tower blocks.
Festive magic arrives in Bury as North Pole Safari Trail transforms town centre

Free augmented reality trail, festive lights switch-on and family events launch Christmas celebrations in Bury
Replacement mosque plans approved despite concerns about parking

Plans to knock down and rebuild a mosque in Prestwich have been approved despite a 1,630 person petition opposing it.
Andy Burnham ‘taken aback’ by decision to move hundreds out of Seven Sisters towers

Andy Burnham was ‘taken aback’ by a decision to clear Rochdale’s iconic ‘Seven Sisters’ tower blocks, forcing hundreds from their homes.
Nine-bed HMO built ‘without permission’ discovered after neighbours complain

Council enforcement officers discovered a nine-bed HMO had been created without permission after a complaint from neighbours, councillors have heard.
Rochdale’s music legacy takes centre stage with iconic Cargo Studios reunion

Rochdale’s rich musical heritage was centre stage at a packed launch event marking the beginning of a new borough-wide celebration called ‘Rochdale Music Stories’, featuring big names like Peter Hook, Clint Boon and Andy McCluskey.
Naked man stops traffic on Rochdale Road in Bury in shocking mid-morning incident

A naked man caused disruption on a busy Bury road on Wednesday morning, swatting at cars and attempting to open vehicle doors before being detained and taken to hospital.
Seven Sisters tower blocks to be emptied over safety concerns

Residents of the iconic tower blocks that have dominated the skyline of Rochdale since the 1960s have been told they will be evicted due to safety concerns.
Culture Co-op secures £1 million to give Rochdale residents more say over arts and creativity

Rochdale’s Culture Co-op has been awarded £1 million to put local people at the heart of cultural decision-making, as part of a £42 million national programme run by Arts Council England.
Hollin pupils turn happiness into poetry during magical session in Middleton

Middleton Library plays host to spellbinding session with Rochdale’s poet laureate Sammy Weaver
Waugh presses government to ensure grooming inquiry tackles race and class ‘head on’

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh says national grooming inquiry must win survivors’ trust and 'follow the evidence wherever it leads’
Goodbye garlic bread? Sandbrook Park Pizza Hut to shut as 68 UK branches axed

Rochdale’s Pizza Hut restaurant is among dozens of UK branches set to permanently shut, after the company that operated the brand in the UK fell into administration.