Two killed as crashes cause motorway chaos across the region

Several cars involved in morning crash.

Published 4th Jul 2016

Emergency crews have been at full stretch following a series of collisions on the region's motorway network

One woman died in a collision on the M61 near Bolton after being knocked down by a lorry. The 24 year-old was struck when she stepped out on to the carriageway following an accident.

The M61 has now reopened after a 6 hour closure.

On the M62 several vehicles collided near Milnrow and firecrews had to cut through the central reservation to relieve the miles of queuing traffic.

A man was killed on the m62 following a crash.

Shortly after 9.30am on Monday 4 July 2016, police received a number of reports of a collision just before junction 21 of the M62.

Officers attended and found that a car travelling on the Eastbound carriageway was involved in a collision with a HGV. The car then went through the central reservation onto the Westbound carriageway and collided with another car and two HGVs.

The man travelling in the car was sadly pronounced dead at the scene and work is ongoing to identify this man and trace his family.

A man and a woman who were travelling in one of the other vehicles have been taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries, which are not believed to be life threatening at this stage.

Police Constable Ed Lister from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “GMP, along with other emergency services, are continuing to deal with a large scene near to junction 21 of the M62 involving multiple vehicles, and in which one man has sadly lost his life.

“Our officers are doing all we can to identify this man as quickly as possible so we can speak with his family, and also to deal with the other injured people and damaged vehicles at the scene.

“There are considerable traffic tailbacks following this collision and we are advising people wherever possible to avoid this area and use another route.

“The motorway remains closed on both sides. We are hoping to shortly be able to free those who are currently stuck in the traffic queues, but are still asking for other motorists to avoid this route for the next few hours where possible.

“We will provide further updates as we are able to.”

On the M56 a coach went down an embankment near Frodsham. Fire crews there had to lead the passengers to safety with one requiring treatment by ambulance services for minor injuries.