M62 closed both ways after man dies in HGV pile-up

Police said a car bound for Yorkshire was involved in a collision with a HGV, near Oldham. The car then went through the central barrier onto the westbound carriageway and collided with another car and two HGVs.

The car driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

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

The motorway is closed in both directions, with severe delays and queuing traffic between Rochdale and Huddersfield.

Pc Ed Lister of Greater Manchester Police 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.”