Man in critical condition following M62 crash

Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash which happened westbound between junction 23 (Outlane) and junction 22 (Rishworth Moor) at 2.30pm and involved two red Volvo HGV cab units which were travelling in the same direction.

Initial enquiries suggest that one of the LGV’s collided with the rear of the second one, causing both to cross the central reservation and enter the eastbound carriageway.

The 48-year-old driver of the lead HGV suffered serious head injuries and was airlifted to the Leeds General Infirmary where he is in a critical but stable condition.

The other driver involved received treatment for minor injuries at Oldham Royal Infirmary.

PC Nigel Fawcett-Jones of Western Area SRANS, said: “Enquiries are ongoing today in what was a major incident on the M62 which caused severe delays on the network.

“Both vehicles involved in the collision were distinctive Volvo red cabbed units with no body work and which were travelling on trade plates to have tipper bodies fitted.

“I would like to speak to anyone who saw the manner in which the lorries were being driven prior to the collision or who saw the collision itself.”

Queues on the M62 viewed from Scammanden Bridge. The outside lanes in both directions are closed between junction 22 (Rishworth Moor) and junction 24 (Ainley Top) following a crash involving two HGVs

Due to extensive damage to the central reservation, specialist teams had to be deployed from the Highways Agency to assist in the recovery of the HGV’s, meaning the motorway was closed for six hours.

This meant motorists faced miles of tailbacks and there was also disruption to bus services.

PC Fawcett-Jones added: “This was clearly large incident which required extensive collision investigation work at the scene and also painstaking work to remove the vehicles from the scene.

“The reopening of the motorway was also delayed due to specialist teams from the Highways Agency having to attend to release the tension in the wire rope barrier prior to recovery taking place.”

Fire engines from Elland, Huddersfield (x2), Cleckheaton and Rochdale also attended the scene.

Anyone who has information about the crash is asked to contact PC 6625 Pursey of the Western Area Safer Roads on 101.