Man arrested on suspicion of drug driving after serious M62 crash near Birch services

Saturday, 3 May 2025 12:39

By David Murphy

Source: National Highways Traffic Cameras

A 60 year old man has been arrested on suspicion of drug driving following a major collision on the M62 near Birch services that left one person seriously injured.

Emergency services were called to the westbound carriageway shortly after 1:00pm on Friday 2 May, following reports of a three-vehicle collision involving a lorry, a truck and a car.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the driver of the car sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 60-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was also found to have tested positive for cocaine and remains in police custody.

The motorway was closed for several hours, causing major disruption and lengthy tailbacks as officers carried out investigative work. Motorists were seen standing outside their vehicles as traffic was brought to a complete standstill.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said:

Emergency services responded to reports of a three-vehicle road traffic collision involving a lorry, truck and a car on the M62 near Birch services at 1:08pm yesterday (Friday 2 May).

The driver of the car remains in hospital for treatment to serious injuries sustained.

A 60-year-old man was subsequently arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and testing positive for driving whilst under the influence of cocaine. He remains in police custody.

GMP wish to pass their thanks to the drivers trapped in the subsequent traffic backlog for their patience whilst the scene of the collision was cleared.

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

Crime scene sealed after armed Police in camouflage storm house on East Street, Rochdale

Armed police in camouflage uniform were deployed to East Street in Rochdale on Saturday evening (3 May), where a significant police presence remains in place and a property has now been sealed off as a crime scene.
Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after pedestrians struck in Rochdale

A 49-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following two serious road traffic incidents in Rochdale on Saturday afternoon (3 May), in which four people were injured – one critically.
Large emergency service presence in Rochdale responding to incident

A 49-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following two serious road traffic incidents in Rochdale on Saturday afternoon (3 May), in which four people were injured – one critically.
The thriving town centre where there’s ‘nowhere to park’

Scarce parking will be at even more of a premium in Prestwich village as up to a quarter of spaces at the town’s only significant public car park are closed off for the next three months.
Manchester Remembers charity football match cancelled as organisers announce closure of foundation

The upcoming Manchester Remembers charity football match, due to take place at Gigg Lane on 14 June 2025, has been cancelled. Organisers have also announced the permanent closure of the Manchester Remembers Foundation.
Free sports and leadership training courses for Rochdale residents this summer

Two free courses offering sports leadership and community training will take place in Rochdale this summer, aimed at those aged 16 and over who want to boost their CVs and gain practical experience in the community sector.
Bury marks 80th anniversary of VE Day with commemorative service and community events

Bury is preparing to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a commemorative service and a programme of local events to honour the end of the Second World War.
Bury VCFA Chief Officer highlights local voluntary sector on Roch Valley Radio

Bury VCFA’s chief officer, Helen Tomlinson, appeared live on Roch Valley Radio’s Community Spotlight segment this morning to share how the organisation supports the borough’s voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector.
Balderstone and Kirkholt by-election reaction

Sandwiched between the M62 and Rochdale town centre, locals say Balderstone and Kirkholt is a proud community with working-class roots.
Dale to host playoff tie at Crown Oil Arena on 15th May

Rochdale AFC have confirmed that their Vanarama National League Eliminator Playoff match will take place at the Crown Oil Arena on Thursday 15 May, with kick-off scheduled for 7.45pm.
M62 closed after crash involving two lorries and a car leaves woman with life-changing injuries

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.
Milnrow pupil’s winning book review earns special prizes and a mention in Parliament

A young reader from Milnrow Parish Primary School has been crowned the overall winner of a new World Book Day competition celebrating children’s love of reading.