DRIVER FIGHTS FOR LIFE AS SMASH CAUSES M-WAY CHAOS
Lorry smashed through M62 barrier hitting a car, a van and two lorries in horrific pile-up
AN HGV driver is fighting for his life in hospital after his lorry - carrying 44 tonnes of butter - smashed through a motorway central reservation and collided with a car, a van and two other lorries on the opposite carriageway.
The horrific crash on the M62 yesterday resulted in queues stretching for 21 miles from junction 18, Simister Island, to past junction 24, at Ainley Top.
The air ambulance was called and the lorry driver was rushed to hospital following the incident at 8.15am.
No other injuries have been reported.
In a statement, police said: “The lorry went through the reservation, on to the opposite side and collided with a number of vehicles.
“The lorry driver has been airlifted to hospital and is in a critical condition.”
Huddersfield-bound traffic was diverted around the crash site via the A6193 towards Milnrow, the A640 through Newhey and the A672.
Many stranded cars were freed using the hard shoulder.
In a statement, the Highways Agency said the reopening of the motorway had been delayed by the clean up operation after the lorry shed part of its load of 44 tonnes of butter.
A spokesman said that a ‘substantial diesel spill’ also damaged the carriageway which required resurfacing before lanes could re-open. The incident and traffic chaos also left surrounding roads and the M67 jammed.
The Snake Pass was closed due to planned roadworks, making it difficult for any motorists wanting to cross the Pennines.
There were also long delays on the Woodhead Pass.
No eastbound vehicles were allowed beyond junction 21 and no westbound vehicles were being allowed past junction 22 while the road was cleared and officials diversions were put in place.
The North West Motorway Police Group, West Yorkshire Police and Greater Manchester Ambulance Service dealt with the incident scene.
There were also reports of drivers ignoring two red X’s being displayed over the access slip road to use it to get on to the motorway.
Motorway police tweeted: “These vehicles could be trapped for hours.
“A red X over a warning gantry means that the lane is closed. It is an offence to pass under a red X.
“Red X means change/ get out of this lane.”