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.”
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