Appeal Over M62 Lorry Smash

Published 30th Apr 2015

A 48 year old man is critical in hospital after a smash on the M62 involving two HGV’s yesterday.

The incident took place at about 2.30pm and involved two red Volvo HGV cab units which were travelling in the same direction.

Initial enquiries suggest that one of the HGV cabs collided with the rear of the second one, causing both to cross the central reservation and enter the eastbound carriageway.

The driver of the lead HGV cab suffered serious head injuries and was airlifted to the Leeds General Infirmary where he is in a critical but stable condition.

Meanwhile, the other driver involved received treatment for minor injuries at Oldham Royal Infirmary.

Roads policing officers are appealing for witnesses as enquiries continue. The Western Area Safer Roads and Neighbourhood Support Unit would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident between J23 Outlane and J22 Saddleworth westbound on Wednesday (April 29) which forced the closure of the motorway.

PC Nigel Fawcett-Jones of Western Area SRANS, said: "Enquiries are ongoing today in what was a major incident on the M62 which caused severe delays on the network.

"Both vehicles involved in the collision were distinctive Volvo red cabbed units with no body work and which were travelling on trade plates to have tipper bodies fitted.

"I would like to speak to anyone who saw the manner in which the lorries were being driven prior to the collision or who saw the collision itself."

He added: "This was clearly a large incident which required extensive collision investigation work at the scene and also painstaking work to remove the vehicles.

"The reopening of the motorway was also delayed due to specialist teams from the Highways Agency having to attend to release the tension in the wire rope barrier prior to recovery taking place."

Anyone who has information is asked to contact PC 6625 Pursey of the Western Area Safer Roads Team on 101."N