The M62 has been closed in both directions after a man died in an early hours crash. The motorway is completely shut from junction 22 Rishworth Moor, near Oldham, to junction 24 for Ainley Top in West Yorkshire.
The crash was first reported at around 2.30am. Police remain at the scene.
The motorway is likely to remain closed throughout the morning. Diversions are in place.
Air ambulance scrambled as motorcyclist is hurt following crash
In a statement National Highways said: “West Yorkshire Police remain working on scene, and have confirmed the road will likely to remain closed through out the morning while police investigations continue. Once investigations are complete, clear up works will be in operation before re-opening the road to traffic.”
Follow our live blog below for updates…
10:21Key Event
BREAKING: Man dies after head-on crash
A man has died in a head-on crash on the M62 during the early hours of this morning.
At 2.06am, police receivedreports of a Vauxhall Corsa travelling in the wrong direction on the eastbound carriageway of the motorway. Officers were deployed to locate the vehicle, but it was found to have been in collision a short time later with a VW Golf close to Scammonden Bridge.
The male Corsa driver was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The male Golf driver suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital for further treatment, police say.
09:17Key Event
Fire service statement
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued a statement. It says crews were called to a ‘serious road traffic collision’ on the eastbound carriageway at 2.14am.
A spokesperson said:
Crews attended a serious road traffic collision on the M62 between junctions 22 to 23 eastbound.
Three fire engines from Rastrick, Slaithwaite and Rochdale attended, along with the Technical Rescue crews from Cleckheaton.
The M62 remains closed both directions between Junctions 22 and 24.
09:11Key Event
‘Serious multi-vehicle crash’
Traffic monoitoring site Inrix is reporting a ‘serious multi-vehcile crash’ took place just after 2am.
Their latest update reads: “M62 in both directions closed due to accident investigation work between J22 A672 (Rishworth Moor) and J24 A629 (Ainley Top).
“Congestion to routes through Rishworth as traffic diverts following a serious multi vehicle crash just after 2am Saturday morning.”
09:00Key Event
Unconfirmed report ‘several vehicles’ involved in crash
An unconfirmed witness report describes several vehicles being involved in the crash shortly after 2am.
Video apparently from the scene shows at least three badly damaged vehicles.
Police, paramedics, firefighters and highways officers are said to have been called to the scene.
08:45Damon Wilkinson
Closure expected ‘throughout the morning’
The motorway will remain closed ‘throughout the morning’, according to National Highways.
That’s going to play havoc with a lot of people’s travel plans, so expect long delays if you are planning to head out toiwards Yorkshire today.
08:38Damon Wilkinson
‘Avoid the area where possible’
It’s easier said than done, but police are urging drivers to avoid the area if possible.
Surrounding roads over the tops in Saddleworth and around Littleborough are also likely to be busy as drivers attempt to find alternative routes.
08:34Key Event
Diversion routes eastbound
Drivers heading east are advised to follow the hollow black circle diversion symbol on road signs:
- Exit the M62 at J22. At the end of the slip turn left onto the A672 (Oldham Road).
- Follow the A672 to the junction with A58.
- At the junction join the A58 (Halifax Road) and continue on this road until the junction with A6142.
- At the roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A6142. Continue on this road until the junction with A58.
- At the junction go straight ahead onto A58 (Rochdale Road) and continue on this road until the junction with A646.
- At this junction turn right onto the A646. Continue on the A646 until the junction with A629.
- At this junction turn right onto the A629. Continue on the A629 to the roundabout (Ainley Top) with A643.
- At the roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A629.
- Follow the A629 to the junction with M62 J24.
- At the roundabout take the 2nd exit and re-join M62 eastbound at J24.
08:33Key Event
Diversion routes westbound
Drivers heading westbound are advised to follow the Solid Square diversion symbol on road signs.
- Exit at Junction 24 and merge with the A629 at the end of the slip road. Proceed along this road for approximately 300m to the roundabout.
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the A629 and proceed along this road for approximately 3 miles to the junction with the A646.
- At the junction, take the 2nd exit onto the A646 and proceed along this road for approximately 1 mile to the junction with the A58.
- At the junction, turn left onto the A58 and proceed along this road for approximately 4 miles to the junction with the A672*
- At the junction, turn left onto the A672 and proceed along this road for approximately 4 miles.
- At the junction, turn right onto the slip road to re-join M62 at Junction 22.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
