Traffic on the M62 has ground to a complete standstill this evening following a serious multi-vehicle collision, causing extensive tailbacks and significant disruption for motorists. Emergency services, including police and paramedics from the North West Ambulance Service, are currently at the scene responding to the incident.
Location and Impact of the Crash
The crash occurred on the eastbound carriageway of the M62, spanning from Junction 21 at the A6193 Sir Isaac Newton Way in Milnrow to Junction 22 at the A672 near Rishworth Moor. This key stretch of motorway, a vital route for commuters and freight in West Yorkshire, is now experiencing severe congestion as a result of the accident.
Growing Delays and Warnings
National Highways has issued a stark warning to drivers, advising of delays of up to 40 minutes on approach to the affected area. Real-time traffic camera footage shows lengthening queues building rapidly, with traffic at a halt within Junction 22 near Denshaw. The agency has confirmed that its traffic officers are on site managing the situation, but the backlog is expected to persist for some time.
Images from motorway cameras reveal tailbacks stretching for miles, underscoring the severity of the disruption. Motorists are being urged to avoid the area if possible and to seek alternative routes to minimise further congestion. The incident has highlighted the ongoing challenges of maintaining smooth traffic flow on one of the region's busiest motorways, especially during peak evening hours.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
With multiple vehicles involved, the emergency response has been swift, focusing on ensuring the safety of all individuals at the scene. Details on the number of casualties or the exact cause of the crash have not yet been released, but authorities are working diligently to clear the carriageway and restore normal traffic conditions as quickly as possible.
This crash serves as a reminder of the importance of caution on motorways, particularly in adverse weather or high-traffic periods. Drivers in the area should stay updated via official sources like National Highways for the latest information on delays and road closures.
