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.