M66 traffic chaos after ‘serious’ van crash shuts motorway and car bursts into flames

One man was injured in the crash and taken to hospital

07:15, 16 Apr 2026

Severe delays on the M66

Motorists on the M66 faced severe delays last night after a serious crash shut the motorway before a car later burst into flames.

Emergency services were called to the collision at around 5.15pm on Wednesday (April 15) after a van crashed into the central reservation. Police said one man was injured in the collision and taken to Fairfield General Hospital in an ambulance.

The extent of his injuries is not yet known. The motorway was closed in both directions between junction 1 at Walmersley Road, Bury and the A56 near Ramsbottom, with the southbound carriageway shut for several hours.

Drivers faced delays of up to 60 minutes during the evening rush hour, with a diversion route put in place by National Highways.

Three fire engines and a specialist rescue unit attended the scene as crews worked to make the area safe.

Greater Manchester[1] Police said in a statement shortly after the road closure: "Officers have been called to a collision whereby a van has crashed in to the central reservation. A man is injured and is receiving medical attention, the extent of his injuries are unknown at this time.

"The carriages have been closed in both direction to enable emergency services to arrive."

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "At around 5.15pm today (Wednesday 15 April), three fire engines from Whitefield, Moss Side and Broughton fire stations and the enhanced rescue unit from Ashton fire station attended a crash involving a van into a barrier on the M66. Crews arrived quickly to make the area safe and help other emergency services in attendance.

"One person was conveyed to Fairfield General Hospital by North West Ambulance Service[2] colleagues.

Crews departed after roughly an hour and five minutes in attendance."

Firefighters at the scene on the M66

A car then burst into flames on the M66 shortly before 8pm forcing two lane closures. The incident happened on the northbound carriageway between Junction 2 (Bury[3]) and Junction 1 (Ramsbottom[4]).

Firefighters attended the scene and pictures showed the burned out remains of a vehicle.

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References

1. ^ Greater Manchester (www.lancs.live)
2. ^ North West Ambulance Service (www.lancs.live)
3. ^ Bury (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
4. ^ Ramsbottom (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
5. ^ Lancashire (www.lancs.live)
6. ^ click on this link (chat.whatsapp.com)
7. ^ Click this link (chat.whatsapp.com)
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