M62 closed after crash involving two lorries and a car leaves woman with life-changing injuries

Friday, 2 May 2025 16:51

By David Murphy

A serious collision on the M62 this afternoon has resulted in the westbound carriageway being closed between junctions 19 and 18, causing widespread traffic disruption across Greater Manchester.

Emergency services were called shortly after 1.30pm on Friday (2 May) following reports of a crash involving two lorries and a car between J19 for Heywood and J18 at Simister Island. Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that one woman has suffered “serious and life-changing injuries” and was taken to hospital by the North West Ambulance Service.

Images from the scene showed motorists out of their vehicles as traffic ground to a halt. Congestion has since tailed back to junction 12 at Eccles Interchange, with knock-on delays across Rochdale, Oldham, Chadderton and Middleton as drivers attempt to find alternative routes.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “We were called just after 1.30pm to reports of a collision involving two lorries and a vehicle on the M62, between Junctions 18 and 19. One person has suffered serious and life-changing injuries.”

A spokesperson for the North West Ambulance Service added: “One woman was released from a vehicle and taken to hospital for further treatment.”

The westbound side of the motorway remains closed as accident investigation work continues, with National Highways warning of long delays and urging motorists to avoid the area where possible. Drivers heading westbound are being diverted and advised to allow extra time for their journeys.

In a separate incident further along the M62, a collision between junctions 23 (Huddersfield) and 22 (Rishworth Moor) also led to delays earlier in the day. That section has since reopened, though one lane remains closed and queueing traffic persists, exacerbated by onlookers on the eastbound side.

The motorway has also seen disruption in the past 24 hours due to a large moorland fire, with smoke drifting across the carriageway and reducing visibility.

Travel monitoring service Inrix reports: “Severe delays and one lane closed due to accident on M62 Westbound from J23 A640 New Hey Road (Huddersfield) to J22 A672 (Rishworth Moor). Queueing traffic on the opposite side too due to onlookers.”

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.