Updated: Man arrested on suspicion of drink driving following crash that closed part of M62

The incident involving a seven and a half ton lorry and a black Nissan Qashqai happened at 5.34am between junction 24 A629 (Ainley Top) and junction 25 A644 (Brighouse) on the east-bound carriageway. The driver of the Nissan, a provisional licence holder, was arrested at the scene.

As a result of the incident, in which the truck ended up on its side, serious damage was done to the central reservation forcing the closure of the east-bound carriageway and the outside lane of the west-bound carriageway for over four hours because of debris.

The lorry hit the central barrier and rebounded to the near side before flipping onto its side. The lorry driver was trapped and had to be extracted by fire officers, who gained access to the vehicle via smashing out the windscreen. He was taken to Leeds General Infirmary by ambulance with spinal injuries, which police have described as “serious” and is currently under observation. The driver of the Nissan suffered minor injuries.

Lanes one and two of the east-bound carriageway remain closed whilst the lorry is recovered but police expect the motorway to be fully open before 11am.

West Yorkshire Police Road Policing Unit Tweeted: “The collision occurred at 05:34. The effects of drinking the night before will affect these drivers for longer.

“The driver of the car was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst OPL and was a provisional licence holder.

“The M62 is now open with a lane 1&2 closure whilst recovery takes place. Thanks to West Yorkshire Fire and Ambulance. #greatteamwork.”

In attendance at the incident were three fire appliances - including two from Ellland and Brighouse, and a rescue unit. Also on the scene were West Yorkshire Ambulance Service, traffic police, Highways Agency staff, accident investigation offices and a vehicle recovery team.