Terrified drivers describe moment cars swerved as lorry crossed motorway in eight-vehicle crash

Wales Online

13 hours ago

Terrified drivers describe moment cars swerved as lorry crossed motorway in eight-vehicle crash
Emergency services were called out to the scene of an eight-vehicle collision on the M60 motorway
Oil and debris was scattered across the M60 in the aftermath of the incident
(Image: National Highways )
Petrified motorists have recounted the moment they had to veer off course and brake abruptly as a lorry careened across the M60 in a dreadful smash on the morning of Monday July 7.
Emergency services rushed to an eight-vehicle collision – which included four HGVs and four cars – occurring between junctions 27 at the Portwood roundabout and junction one for the Stockport Pyramid shortly before 11.30am. One of the HGVs is reported to have breached the central reservation, hitting 'several lamp columns in the process'.
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Another vehicle lost its cargo of beer barrels onto the road, while 'several ruptured fuel tanks' spilled diesel onto the tarmac.
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A motorist explained that the chaos erupted after a car hit one of the lorries involved
Both directions of the motorway were shut down by emergency personnel, with alternative routes being established. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
Chilling footage captured post-collision revealed mangled vehicles, an overturned lorry cab, and debris littering the road, reports the Manchester Evening News.
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The central barrier was visibly destroyed, with oil and beer barrels dispersed around the area.
A driver who witnessed the crash unfold from behind described to the M. E.N how it began with a 'speeding car' that led another vehicle to swerve and collide with one of the lorries involved.
"A car was racing on the motorway and caused another car to swerve into the HGV, which then swerved across to the other side," they explained.
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"The lorry then went over which caused a knock on effect. We were in the car directly behind so we got out, I was on the phone to 999 and went to check everyone. The fire brigade were there within five minutes, then ambulance and police crews and an off duty paramedic who pulled over to help with the chaos.
"To make it even worse, we were stood there in the middle of the motorway with this horrible crash and people are driving off at junction 27 on the phone or hanging out their windows recording.
"[Cars] swerved straight into other lanes. My husband hit my brakes and my car swerved over the two lanes.
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"It was really really bad. But luckily no-one was seriously hurt and the 999 operator got everyone there really fast. She was great keeping me calm on the phone while I was explaining everything."
The aftermath of the collision as seen in a footage recorded after the crash on July 7
(Image: Submitted )
Emergency services rushed to the scene and shut the motorway in both directions whilst dealing with Monday's incident.
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Authorities confirmed that whilst no severe injuries occurred during the crash, several individuals sustained 'minor injuries'.
North West Ambulance Service reported that three casualties required hospital treatment, whilst six additional people received assessment at the location for minor injuries.
A National Highways spokesperson announced shortly after 1pm: "Greater Manchester Police, Manchester Fire and Rescue, North West Ambulance Service, National Highways Traffic Officers and maintenance contractors are attending this incident.
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"It has been confirmed there were only minor injuries from the collision but it is expected the road will remain closed in both directions for a substantial amount of time due to the amount of infrastructure damage, spillage, debris clean-up and the recovery of several substantially damaged large vehicles."