M60 crash LIVE: Huge delays as motorway closed after horror six-vehicle smash
Huge traffic jams are building up on a major UK motorway following a horror six-vehicle smash[1]. The M60 has been closed in both directions near Stockport as emergency[2] services respond to the incident. Drivers in the area have been warned about travel[3] disruption, which has continued this afternoon. National Highways[4] said the motorway remains closed between Junction 25 at the A560 Crookilley Way to Junction 1 at the A5145 Travis Brow.
This is a live blog - follow along for updates.
13:50Ryan FaheyCollision involved four HGVs and four cars, National Highways says
The collision involved four heavy goods vehicles and four cars, according to National Highways. It's understood that one of the HGVs veered across the central reservation and hit "several lamp columns in the process". Another HGV shed its load of beer barrels into the carrigeways as a result.
There are also said to be 'several ruptured fuel tanks' leaking diesel.
13:46Ryan FaheyAmbulance service confirms three people hospitalised
The ambulance service has issued another update on those injured today. The North West Ambulance Service said three people were taken to hospital for further treatment, with six others assessed at the scene for minor injuries.
13:36Monica CharsleyVehicles 'substantially damaged' with mass clean-up underway
In an update, National Highways said: "Huge delays are expected to continue as a mass clean-up effort is underway due to debris and spillage. "Greater Manchester Police, Manchester Fire & Rescue, North West Ambulance Service, National Highways Traffic Officers and maintenance contractors are attending this incident.
"It has been confirmed there were only minor injuries from the collision but 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."
13:28Monica CharsleyPictures shows major traffic jam
Pictures show huge queues tailing back on the M60 following the catastrophic crash. Congestion has been reported towards Denton Island on the M60 clockwise.
Drivers stuck in traffic (Highways England )13:18Monica CharsleyWitness recalls moment lorry smashes through barriers
A woman has recalled the moment that a lorry smashed into barriers on the M60. She told Manchester Evening News: "There are two lorries, one of which as gone through the central barriers.
Looks to be a few cars as well. "Police, fire and ambulances are on the scene... looks like it will be closed a while."
13:15Monica CharsleyMotorists warned over 'severe delays' on M56
Traffic monitoring service INRIX stated: "M60 in both directions closed, severe delays due to accident from J25 A560 Crookilley Way (Brinnington) to J1 A5145 Travis Brow (Stockport Pyramid). "Congestion to M56 J3A (Baugley) clockwise and back past J24 (Denton Island) anti-clockwise as traffic queues.
"Motorway was closed around 11:30am after a vehicle went through the central reservation."
13:12Monica CharsleySix vehicles involved in disastrous crash
Six vehicles were involved in the crash, officials confirmed. Emergency services rushed to the motorway shortly before 11.30am and found multiple vehicles were at the scene. Three lorries, two cars and a van were involved in the collision.
13:04Monica CharsleyNational Highways issue alert to drivers
The National Highways said: "Update, #M60 both directions between J25 and J27 near #Stockport closed.
"Multi-vehicle collision, infrastructure damage (barrier, lamp columns), fuel spillage and a shed load.
Thankfully only minor injuries but substantial clean-up required."