M60 closed RECAP: Smashed up lorries lay across motorway as drivers have ‘miracle escape’

The M60 was still closed this morning after a horror nine-vehicle crash[1] shut down the motorway yesterday. Miraculously, it emerged on Monday evening that no one involved suffered serious injuries. It came as footage emerged showing the smashed up lorries and debris strewn across the major motorway[2].

The crash[3] occurred at around 11.30am on the M60[4] near Stockport, Greater Manchester, and involved four cars as well as four HGVs. The clean-up process is ongoing. This live blog has now ended.

14:40KEY EVENT

The M60 anticlockwise reopens after hours of choking delays

Traffic chiefs have now reopened the M60 anticlockwise, and the route has opened up considerably following more than 12 hours of closures.

One lane of the three remains closed as repairs continue, however, meaning drivers will see some congestion between junctions one and 25.

12:19Ryan Fahey

Latest update from National Highways

Recovery work is complete and emergency resurfacing work remains ongoing at the scene. "All road users caught within the closures have been released", the agency said. "We apologise for the inconvenience caused whilst clean up and repair works take place and we thank you for your patience if impacted.

"There are delays of up to 60 minutes on all approaches at this stage."

10:52Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

No arrests made

No arrests have been made by police following yesterday's crash, according to local media. While three people were taken to hospital to be treated for minor injuries as a precaution, no serious injuries were reported following the multi-vehicle collision on the M60 near Stockport. The incident is now confirmed to have involved three HGVs, two vans and four cars.

10:20Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

Why is the M60 still closed?

Emergency barrier repairs are taking place on the motorway this morning following yesterday's collision.

Images from the scene yesterday showed multiple lorries having ploughed through the central reservation, forcing the barrier open.

(National highways)10:03Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

Nine vehicles confirmed to have been involved in crash as police urge witnesses to come forward

In a new statement this morning, police have asked motorists who witnessed yesterday's crash to come forward. Greater Manchester Police say three lorries, two vans and four cars were involved in the crash, with three people taken to hospital for minor injuries. A GMP spokesperson said: "Yesterday morning at around 11.26am we were called to a road traffic collision on the M60 at junction 27, Portwood, Stockport.

"Emergency services attended and fortunately, no one was seriously injured. "Three HGVs, two vans and four cars were involved in the collision. "Three people were taken to hospital to be treated for minor injuries as a precaution.

"We are now appealing for any witnesses with dash cam footage of the incident to come forward to help with our enquires. "Anyone with footage can call 101 quoting log 1196 of July 7, 2025, or use the LiveChat function on our website at www.gmp.police.uk"

10:01Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

Delays of up to 60 minutes continue

There are currently delays of up to 60 minutes approaching the closed section of the M60 this morning, according to National Highways.

08:52Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

Traffic maps show large section of M60 closed

It'll be a tricky morning for anyone who usually takes the M60 through Stockport to work, as the motorway remains closed as a result of yesterday's eight-vehicle collision. Google's traffic map shows dark red on the open section of the motorway leading south, indicating heavy traffic, with long delays also reported going westwards.

A large section of the M60 through Stockport remains closed (Google Maps)08:35Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

Empty M60 this morning as motorway remains closed

The latest live camera images show an eerily empty M60 near Stockport this morning, with contractors still on site further up the motorway to carry out urgent repairs.

The M60 near Stockport is empty this morning (National Highways)08:02Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

Works to continue 'throughout the day'

Urgent maitenance works on the M60 are expected to continue 'throughout the day', according to National Highways.

It includes emergency barrier and bridge parapet repairs.

07:11Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

Clean-up operation continues this morning

National Highways have said that the M60 will remain closed while a major clean-up operation on the motorway continues. Describing the damage caused by the multi-vehicle collision, the agency said: "One of the heavy goods vehicles crossed through the central reservation barrier and struck several lamp columns in the process. "One of the other heavy goods vehicles shed its load of beer barrels onto the road.

"Additionally there are several ruptured fuel tanks from the collision which have resulted in a large amount of diesel across the carriageway in both directions."

06:22Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

M60 remains closed this morning

Commuters heading out on this morning's rush hour have been warned that the M60 remains closed in both directions this morning after yesterday's eight-vehicle collision. Diversions going clockwise along the A560 and anticlockwise through the A5145 are currently in place.

REMINDER The #M60 in #GreaterManchester remains closed in both directions between J25 and J1 near #Stockport #Bredbury following a multi-vehicle collision.

Emergency works remain ongoing.https://t.co/oszhkj4m66 pic.twitter.com/Pa3Ospj5sB[5][6][7][8][9][10]

-- National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) July 8, 2025[11]04:51Bradley Jolly

M60 diversion routes

Clockwise (follow the route marked with a hollow diamond symbol and then a solid triangle symbol)

• Leave M60 clockwise at Jct 25
• At the roundabout, take third exit onto A560
• Follow the A560 westbound and continue past J26, remaining on the A560.
• At the Portwood Interchange (M60 J27) take the third exit to remain on the A560 note: diversion route symbol changes to solid triangle at this point
• Continue on to the A560 to the roundabout with the A5145 and take the fourth exit on to Travis Brow
• Keep left on the A5145 and turn on to the A5145
• Remain on the A5145 to J1 of the M60 and at the roundabout take the third exit to re-join the M60 clockwise.

Anti-clockwise (follow route marked with a solid square symbol on local road signs):

• Leave M60 anti-clockwise at Jct 1.
• At the roundabout take second exit onto A5145 (Travis Brow)
• At A5145/A560 roundabout, take first exit onto A560 eastbound
• At A560/M60 Jct 27 roundabout, take third exit onto A560 eastbound
• At A560/M60 Jct 25 roundabout, take first exit and rejoin M60 anti-clockwise.

02:29Bradley Jolly

M60 still yet to reopen

The M60 is still yet to reopen in both direction near Stockport. National Highways had estimated the stretch of motorway would be open again by 2am but it remains closed, around 12 hours on from the smash.

00:00KEY EVENT

National Highways issues key updates after M60 crash

National Highways has provided an estimated time for when the closed section of the M60 will reopen following the crash. It estimates the road will reopen at around 2am.

A spokesman for National Highways said: "Luckily, all injuries were considered to be minor however, it is expected the road will remain closed in both directions for a substantial amount of time due to the amount of infrastructure damage, spillage, debris clean-up and the recovery of several substantially damaged large vehicles. "All road users caught within the closures have been released. "We apologise for the inconvenience caused whilst clean up and repair works take place and we thank you for your patience if impacted."

23:45Tim Hanlon

Motorway remains closed overnight amid major repairs after 8 vehicle crash

Traffic sensors on the M60 indicate that the vehicles involved in the earlier eight-car collision have been cleared, with Highways teams working to repair the barrier.

But the route is likely to remain closed in both directions for some time. Now 12 hours after the horror incident unfolded on the M60, with an HGV obliterating the central reservation while diesel and beer kegs spilled onto the road, workers are still attempting to restore the motorway, which will need resurfacing. Inrix, which is updated by National Highways and police, described the situation as: "Ongoing since just after 11:30.

The vehicles have now been recovered but barrier repairs continue to take place, with resurfacing to follow."

22:36Tim Hanlon

Warning for people travelling to Manchester Airport as M60 still closed after 11 hours

A warning has been issued to anyone travelling to Manchester Airport after a huge M60 crash has closed the motorway in both directions. The Greater Manchester motorway has now been closed for 11 hours, after an eight-vehicle crash, between Junction 25 and Junction 1. Emergency services were called out to the scene between between Junctions 27 at the Portwood roundabout and Junction one for the Stockport Pyramid just before 11.30am this morning, July 7.

National Highways is warning anyone travelling to or from Manchester Airport to be aware of the closures as the motorway is closed in both directions between Junction 25 and Junction 1 near Stockport. .

21:22Tim Hanlon

AA gives latest traffic news after huge crash on M60

Drivers are continuing to face traffic chaos in Greater Manchester with the M60 shut following a massive crash. People this evening have had long delays with the motorway which circles the city closed in both directions close to Stockport. There has been no update about when the motorway is set to reopen by National Highways with a clean up operation in place.

Traffic news from AA states: "Road closed due to emergency barrier repairs and earlier crash, multiple vehicles involved on M60 both ways from J25 A560 Crookilley Way (Brinnington) to J1 A5145 Travis Brow (Stockport Pyramid). Ongoing since just after 11:30."

20:39Tim Hanlon

Image shows motorway still empty nine hours after crash

Drivers have faced chaos on the M60 today with a major crashing forcing the closure of the motorway. And nine hours after the smash involving eight vehicles, the motorway has still not been reopened as the clear up operation continues.

National Highways states: "We apologise for the inconvenience caused whilst clean up and repair works take place and we thank you for your patience if impacted."

The empty M6019:48KEY EVENT

Miracle escape after eight lorries and cars crash causing motorway closure

Motorists involved in a horrific crash involving four HGVs and four cars on the M60 on miraculously escaped without serious injury. One HGV crossed through the central reservation and struck 'several lamp columns in the process'. Another then shed its load of beer barrels into the carriageways, with 'several ruptured fuel tanks' also leaking diesel onto the carriageway.

Horror footage of the aftermath showed crushed cars, a lorry cabin on its side and debris strewn across the carriageway. It was later confirmed that despite nine people sustaining injuries, none of them were serious. The North West Ambulance Service North West Ambulance Service said three people were taken to hospital for further treatment, with six others assessed at the scene for minor injuries.

National Highways said: "Luckily, all injuries were considered to be minor however, it is expected the road will remain closed in both directions for a substantial amount of time due to the amount of infrastructure damage, spillage, debris clean-up and the recovery of several substantially damaged large vehicles."

19:27Tim Hanlon

Motorists face delays of 60 minutes following eight-vehicle smash

Drivers have been told to allow extra time for journeys with hour-long delays expected on the M60. The National Highways states: "All road users caught within the closures have been released. There are long delays on approach to the closures and we advise road users to allow extra time for their journeys.

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused whilst clean up and repair works take place and thank you for your patience if impacted. It added: "If this incident impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.

"Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our www.trafficengland.com website and travel apps, or via our regional X feed. Our 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000."

Traffic delays on the M60 after a crash18:35Tim Hanlon

National Highways gives motorists diversion routes as M60 closed in both directions

Motorists have been given diversion routes by National Highways with the M60 closed in both directions. Clockwise (follow the route marked with a hollow diamond symbol and then a solid triangle symbol):

• Leave M60 clockwise at Jct 25
• At the roundabout, take third exit onto A560
• Follow the A560 westbound and continue past J26, remaining on the A560.
• At the Portwood Interchange (M60 J27) take the third exit to remain on the A560 note: diversion route symbol changes to solid triangle at this point
• Continue on to the A560 to the roundabout with the A5145 and take the fourth exit on to Travis Brow
• Keep left on the A5145 and turn on to the A5145
• Remain on the A5145 to J1 of the M60 and at the roundabout take the third exit to re-join the M60 clockwise.

Anti-clockwise (follow route marked with a solid square symbol on local road signs):

• Leave M60 anti-clockwise at Jct 1.
• At the roundabout take second exit onto A5145 (Travis Brow)
• At A5145/A560 roundabout, take first exit onto A560 eastbound
• At A560/M60 Jct 27 roundabout, take third exit onto A560 eastbound
• At A560/M60 Jct 25 roundabout, take first exit and rejoin M60 anti-clockwise.

18:20Tim Hanlon

M60 remains closed and there is also 'severe congestion' on M56 following crash

The latest update provided by live traffic service Inrix says there is now "severe congestion" on the M56 following the crash on the M60 which is closed.

"M60 in both directions closed, severe delays due to multi-vehicle accident, debris on road and fuel spillage from J25 A560 Crookilley Way (Brinnington) to J1 A5145 Travis Brow (Stockport Pyramid). "Congestion to just before J24 (Denton Island) for clockwise traffic, with anticlockwise back to J5 (Princes Parkway). There is also severe congestion on the M56 back to J3A (Baguley) for traffic approaching the M60."

17:45Tim Hanlon

'My husband hit my brakes and my car swerved over the two lanes to avoid crash'

Terrified drivers have told of how they were forced to swerve and slam on their brakes as a lorry crossed the M60[12] in a horrific collision on Monday morning (July 7).

One HGV involved in the crash crossed through the central reservation and struck 'several lamp columns in the process'. Horror footage of the aftermath showed crushed cars, a lorry cabin on its side and debris strewn across the carriageway. One motorist, who was behind the vehicles that crashed claimed it started with a 'speeding car' which caused another to swerve and hit one of the lorries involved.

"A car was racing on the motorway and caused another car to swerve into the HGV, which then swerved across to the other side," they alleged, reported the Manchester Evening News.[13] "The lorry then went over which caused a knock on effect. We were in the car directly behind so we got out, I was on the phone to 999 and went to check everyone.

The fire brigade were there within five minutes, then ambulance and police crews and an off duty paramedic who pulled over to help with the chaos. "To make it even worse, we were stood there in the middle of the motorway with this horrible crash and people are driving off at junction 27 on the phone or hanging out their windows recording. "[Cars] swerved straight into other lanes.

My husband hit my brakes and my car swerved over the two lanes. It was really really bad. But luckily no-one was seriously hurt and the 999 operator got everyone there really fast.

She was great keeping me calm on the phone while I was explaining everything."

17:12KEY EVENT

Warning for people travelling to Manchester Airport after huge M60 crash closes motorway

A warning has been issued to anyone travelling to Manchester Airport after a huge M60 crash has closed the motorway in both directions. There are severe delays on the Greater Manchester motorway after an eight-vehicle crash has shut it between Junction 25 and Junction 1. Emergency services were called out to the scene between between Junctions 27 at the Portwood roundabout and Junction one for the Stockport Pyramid just before 11.30am this morning, July 7.

National Highways is now warning anyone travelling to or from Manchester Airport to be aware of the closures as the motorway is closed in both directions between Junction 25 and Junction 1 near Stockport. It is expected to remain shut for the next few hours. It quoted a 'multi-vehicle collision, spillage, shed load and infrastructure damage' as the cause of the closures which are expected to remain in place for 'some time'.

Drivers are being urged to find alternative routes to the airport.

A lorry involved in the crash (National highways)16:32Tim Hanlon

Load of beer barrels on motorway and diesel spilled in multiple pile-up

Drivers are facing long delays with the M60 closed after a massive crash involving four lorries and four cars. National Highways states: "This is due to a multi-vehicle collision involving 4 heavy goods vehicles and 4 cars. "One of the heavy goods vehicles has crossed through the central reservation barrier and struck several lamp columns in the process.

One of the other heavy goods vehicles has shed its load of beer barrels in to the road. "Additionally there are several ruptured fuel tanks from the collision which have resulted in a large amount of diesel across the carriageway in both directions."

15:55Monica Charsley

Map shows what locations to avoid

A map has revealed what locations to avoid during the traffic mayhem which has caused congestion far and wide.

15:24Monica Charsley

Locals describe 'absolute carnage' on M60

Locals have described the chaos that has erupted on the M60 as the motorway continues to experience congestion. One cyclist wrote on Twitter: "Cycling home and it's absolute carnage round Stockport.

Huge accident on the M60 apparently. It's absolute carnage round Stockport. Huge accident on the M60 apparently."

Someone else said: "Been sat in it an hour and half, no sign of movement, sat nav is telling me to turn around and go the other way. Nightmare but hope everyone is ok." A third person wrote: "M60 not looking good right now."

15:10Monica Charsley

Holidaymakers urged to plan journeys to Manchester Airport

Holidaymakers have been urged to plan their journeys ahead of time to Manchester Airport.

It comes as drivers on the M60 still face major delays. National Highways said: "M60 both directions between J25 and J1 near Stockport. "Road closed due to a multi-vehicle collision, spillage, shed load and infrastructure damage.

Be aware if heading to/from Manchester Airport."

14:52Monica Charsley

Full breakdown of what happened amid fuel tank disaster

The National Highways have issued a full breakdown of what happened leading up to the crash. In a statement, a spokesperson said: "The M60 in Greater Manchester is closed in both directions between J25 Bredbury Interchange (Bredbury, A560) and J1 Pyramid Roundabout (Stockport (Cen), A5145). This is due to a multi-vehicle collision involving 4 heavy goods vehicles and 4 cars.

"One of the heavy goods vehicles has crossed through the central reservation barrier and struck several lamp columns in the process. One of the other heavy goods vehicles has shed its load of beer barrels in to the road. Additionally there are several ruptured fuel tanks from the collision which have resulted in a large amount of diesel across the carriageway in both directions.

"Greater Manchester Police, Manchester Fire & Rescue, North West Ambulance Service, National Highways Traffic Officers and maintenance contractors are attending this incident."

A crash happened on the M6014:36Monica Charsley

Shocking pictures capture aftermath of eight-vehicle crash

Shocking pictures have captured the aftermath of the six-vehicle crash on the M60.

In one image, debris could be seen scattered across the motorway, close to one of the lorries.

Debris scattered on floor (National highways)

References

1. ^ crash (www.mirror.co.uk)
2. ^ motorway (www.mirror.co.uk)
3. ^ crash (www.mirror.co.uk)
4. ^ M60 (www.mirror.co.uk)
5. ^ #M60 (twitter.com)
6. ^ #GreaterManchester (twitter.com)
7. ^ #Stockport (twitter.com)
8. ^ #Bredbury (twitter.com)
9. ^ https://t.co/oszhkj4m66 (t.co)
10. ^ pic.twitter.com/Pa3Ospj5sB (t.co)
11. ^ July 8, 2025 (twitter.com)
12. ^ M60 (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
13. ^ Manchester Evening News. (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)