Three-Vehicle Collision Forces Closure of M62 Near Rochdale

A serious three-vehicle collision has led to the closure of the M62 motorway near Rochdale and Heywood this evening, causing major disruption for motorists in both directions.

J19 Heywood/Middleton Traffic at a Standstill | @ Hopwood Radio

Emergency services were called to the westbound carriageway between junction 20 (Rochdale) and junction 19 (Heywood), where police, fire crews and National Highways officers attended the scene. Two air ambulances were also seen landing nearby as part of the response, although the extent of any injuries has not yet been confirmed by authorities.

The crash resulted in traffic being brought to a standstill, with long queues reported stretching for several miles. Drivers were warned to expect delays of up to an hour or more and advised to seek alternative routes where possible.

Emergency Service at the Scene | Image ASP

National Highways confirmed that the M62 was fully closed westbound while recovery and investigation work took place. The eastbound carriageway was also heavily affected by congestion. A solid circle diversion route was put in place for westbound traffic.

At the time of publication, investigations into the cause of the collision were ongoing. Officers from the North West Motorway Police Group, alongside traffic officers, were expected to remain at the scene while accident analysis continued.

Motorists planning to travel through the area are urged to check live traffic updates and consider delaying their journeys until the motorway has fully reopened.

In the immediate aftermath of serious motorway collisions, official casualty information is often not released until police have completed initial enquiries, particularly if those involved have been taken to hospital. Further updates are expected from National Highways and the North West Motorway Police Group once scene work is complete.

'Serious' Collision on the M62 Westbound near Rochdale. | Image ASP

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said:

“Officers are currently responding to a traffic collision between J19 and J20 on the M62 near Rochdale. Delays are in place with emergency services attendance, and we thank drivers for their patience as this work is carried out.”

Hopwood Radio will continue to update this story as soon as more official information becomes available.