Emergency services have closed a main Greater Manchester road this evening due to an ongoing police incident.
Wildhouse Lane, near Hollingworth Lake, has been blocked off with emergency services at the scene. Witnesses on social media have said the road is ‘gridlocked’ with ‘at least 20 emergency services vehicles’ currently in attendance.
Two people have been taken to hospital following a ‘head on collision’, the M.E.N. understands.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At 7.50pm on Sunday 3 March, fire crews were called to reports of a road traffic collision on Wildhouse Lane, Rochdale.
“Two fire engines from Rochdale, as well as the technical response unit from Ashton, were quickly mobilised to the collision, which involved two cars.
“Firefighters extricated a man from one of the cars, who was then taken to hospital by colleagues from North West Ambulance Service (NWAS). A woman, who had been driving the other car, was also taken to hospital by paramedics.
“GMFRS crews used specialist equipment to make the area safe before handing the scene over to Greater Manchester Police, and were in attendance for about an hour.”
This is a live incident. Updates to follow.
21:39James Holt
Police scene to remain in place for a number of hours
The large police scene will remain in place for a number of hours tonight.
Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are thought to be leading the investigation.
The road has been blocked off since around 8pm this evening.
21:13James Holt
More pictures from the police scene tonight
21:09Key Event
Man cut free from car as two rushed to hospital from scene
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At 7.50pm on Sunday 3 March, fire crews were called to reports of a road traffic collision on Wildhouse Lane, Rochdale.
“Two fire engines from Rochdale, as well as the technical response unit from Ashton, were quickly mobilised to the collision, which involved two cars.
“Firefighters extricated a man from one of the cars, who was then taken to hospital by colleagues from North West Ambulance Service (NWAS). A woman, who had been driving the other car, was also taken to hospital by paramedics.
“GMFRS crews used specialist equipment to make the area safe before handing the scene over to Greater Manchester Police, and were in attendance for about an hour.”
21:05Key Event
‘Head on collision’ with two hospitalised
The Manchester Evening News understands there has been a ‘head on’ collision involving two cars.
It is thought one of the cars had been trying to overtake another before crashing into the second vehicle.
Two people have been rushed to hospital from the scene.
20:55James Holt
Ambulance has left scene ‘with police escort’
A witness at the scene has said an ambulance has been seen leaving the area along with a police escort.
Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for further information on this ongoing incident.
20:54James Holt
Road blocked off in both directions
The latest update on traffic service Inrix says:
“Wildhouse Lane in both directions closed due to police incident from Smithy Bridge Road to Branch Road.”
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.
