Drivers facing five-mile queues on major motorway after broken down tanker lorry ‘catches fire' during rush hour
TRAVEL CHAOS Drivers facing five-mile queues on major motorway after broken down tanker lorry 'catches fire' during rush hour
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
COMMUTERS are facing lengthy delays on a major motorway this morning after a broken down tanker reportedly caught fire.
Drivers on the M62 are being met with queues as long as five miles heading eastbound from Greater Manchester to Yorkshire during the peak of rush hour today.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
One lane is currently closed between Junction 22 at Saddleworth and Junction 23 at Huddersfield, leading to 45-minute queues for motorists.
Some drivers are also facing delays on the westbound carriageway approaching the scene.
In a post on X, a spokesperson for National Highways Yorkshire said: "M62 eastbound between J22 Saddleworth and J23 Huddersfield West Yorkshire.
"Lane closed due to a broken down tanker lorry.
"West Yorkshire Police and our traffic officers are on scene.
"Recovery arranged and en-route. 45 min delay and five miles of congestion."
A post on the Inrix traffic monitoring system added: "Long delays and one lane closed due to vehicle fire on M62 Eastbound from J22 A672 (Rishworth Moor) to J23 A640 New Hey Road (Huddersfield).
"The breakdown has now caught fire. Traffic slow on opposite side likely due to onlookers."
More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Huge delays as major UK motorway closed after horror eight-vehicle smash
Drivers are facing huge delays on a major UK motorway which is closed in both directions following an eight-vehicle smash where a lorry crashed through the central reservation. Footage shows devastating scenes on the M60 following the pile-up which happened around 11.30am near Stockport and involved four cars as well as four HGVs. Emergency services rushed to the scene and a major clear-up operation is ongoing with debris strewn across the motorway. Motorists have been told delays will continue for "a substantial amount of time". National Highways states: "One of the heavy goods vehicles has crossed through the central reservation barrier and struck several lamp columns in the process. One of the other heavy goods vehicles has shed its load of beer barrels in to the road. Additionally there are several ruptured fuel tanks from the collision which have resulted in a large amount of diesel across the carriageway in both directions." Drivers have been told to allow extra time for journeys with hour-long delays expected on the M60. The National Highways states: "All road users caught within the closures have been released. There are long delays on approach to the closures and we advise road users to allow extra time for their journeys. "We apologise for the inconvenience caused whilst clean up and repair works take place and thank you for your patience if impacted. It added: "If this incident impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey. "Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our website and travel apps, or via our regional X feed. Our 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000." Motorists have been given diversion routes by National Highways with the M60 closed in both directions. Clockwise (follow the route marked with a hollow diamond symbol and then a solid triangle symbol): Anti-clockwise (follow route marked with a solid square symbol on local road signs): The latest update provided by live traffic service Inrix says there is now "severe congestion" on the M56 following the crash on the M60 which is closed. "M60 in both directions closed, severe delays due to multi-vehicle accident, debris on road and fuel spillage from J25 A560 Crookilley Way (Brinnington) to J1 A5145 Travis Brow (Stockport Pyramid). "Congestion to just before J24 (Denton Island) for clockwise traffic, with anticlockwise back to J5 (Princes Parkway). There is also severe congestion on the M56 back to J3A (Baguley) for traffic approaching the M60." Terrified drivers have told of how they were forced to swerve and slam on their brakes as a lorry crossed the M60 in a horrific collision on Monday morning (July 7). One HGV involved in the crash crossed through the central reservation and struck 'several lamp columns in the process'. Horror footage of the aftermath showed crushed cars, a lorry cabin on its side and debris strewn across the carriageway. One motorist, who was behind the vehicles that crashed claimed it started with a 'speeding car' which caused another to swerve and hit 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 alleged, reported the Manchester Evening News. "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. 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." A warning has been issued to anyone travelling to Manchester Airport after a huge M60 crash has closed the motorway in both directions. There are severe delays on the Greater Manchester motorway after an eight-vehicle crash has shut it between Junction 25 and Junction 1. Emergency services were called out to the scene between between Junctions 27 at the Portwood roundabout and Junction one for the Stockport Pyramid just before 11.30am this morning, July 7. National Highways is now warning anyone travelling to or from Manchester Airport to be aware of the closures as the motorway is closed in both directions between Junction 25 and Junction 1 near Stockport. It is expected to remain shut for the next few hours. It quoted a 'multi-vehicle collision, spillage, shed load and infrastructure damage' as the cause of the closures which are expected to remain in place for 'some time'. Drivers are being urged to find alternative routes to the airport. Drivers are facing long delays with the M60 closed after a massive crash involving four lorries and four cars. National Highways states: "This is due to a multi-vehicle collision involving 4 heavy goods vehicles and 4 cars. "One of the heavy goods vehicles has crossed through the central reservation barrier and struck several lamp columns in the process. One of the other heavy goods vehicles has shed its load of beer barrels in to the road. "Additionally there are several ruptured fuel tanks from the collision which have resulted in a large amount of diesel across the carriageway in both directions." A map has revealed what locations to avoid during the traffic mayhem which has caused congestion far and wide. Locals have described the chaos that has erupted on the M60 as the motorway continues to experience congestion. One cyclist wrote on Twitter: "Cycling home and it's absolute carnage round Stockport. Huge accident on the M60 apparently. It's absolute carnage round Stockport. Huge accident on the M60 apparently." Someone else said: "Been sat in it an hour and half, no sign of movement, sat nav is telling me to turn around and go the other way. Nightmare but hope everyone is ok." A third person wrote: "M60 not looking good right now." Holidaymakers have been urged to plan their journeys ahead of time to Manchester Airport. It comes as drivers on the M60 still face major delays. National Highways said: "M60 both directions between J25 and J1 near Stockport. "Road closed due to a multi-vehicle collision, spillage, shed load and infrastructure damage. Be aware if heading to/from Manchester Airport." The National Highways have issued a full breakdown of what happened leading up to the crash. In a statement, a spokesperson said: "The M60 in Greater Manchester is closed in both directions between J25 Bredbury Interchange (Bredbury, A560) and J1 Pyramid Roundabout (Stockport (Cen), A5145). This is due to a multi-vehicle collision involving 4 heavy goods vehicles and 4 cars. "One of the heavy goods vehicles has crossed through the central reservation barrier and struck several lamp columns in the process. One of the other heavy goods vehicles has shed its load of beer barrels in to the road. Additionally there are several ruptured fuel tanks from the collision which have resulted in a large amount of diesel across the carriageway in both directions. "Greater Manchester Police, Manchester Fire & Rescue, North West Ambulance Service, National Highways Traffic Officers and maintenance contractors are attending this incident." Shocking pictures have captured the aftermath of the six-vehicle crash on the M60. In one image, debris could be seen scattered across the motorway, close to one of the lorries. The National Highways has warned drivers that the M60 will remain closed for a "substantial amount of time." The authority said: "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. "Road users caught within the closures will be released in due course and National Highways and Greater Manchester Police are making every effort to do this as quickly as possible. However, it may take some time for all traffic within the closures to be cleared and we apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience if impacted." Drivers now face delays of up to 30 minutes, officials have warned. It comes following the multi-vehicle crash which took place shortly before 11.30am this morning. Diversions have been put in place after the M60 was closed in both directions. The National Highways has released a list of diversion routes. A motorist says police are planning to cut the central reservation so that traffic could be allowed to move on. The driver told the Manchester Evening News: "We're still stuck, but police have said to prepare to move in the next ten minutes. "Cutting the barrier to allow traffic off at the last junction 25 A560 to Bredbury." The collision involved four heavy goods vehicles and four cars, according to National Highways. It's understood that one of the HGVs veered across the central reservation and hit "several lamp columns in the process". Another HGV shed its load of beer barrels into the carrigeways as a result. There are also said to be 'several ruptured fuel tanks' leaking diesel. The ambulance service has issued another update on those injured today. The North West Ambulance Service said three people were taken to hospital for further treatment, with six others assessed at the scene for minor injuries. In an update, National Highways said: "Huge delays are expected to continue as a mass clean-up effort is underway due to debris and spillage. "Greater Manchester Police, Manchester Fire & Rescue, North West Ambulance Service, National Highways Traffic Officers and maintenance contractors are attending this incident. "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." Pictures show huge queues tailing back on the M60 following the catastrophic crash. Congestion has been reported towards Denton Island on the M60 clockwise. A woman has recalled the moment that a lorry smashed into barriers on the M60. She told Manchester Evening News: "There are two lorries, one of which as gone through the central barriers. Looks to be a few cars as well. "Police, fire and ambulances are on the scene... looks like it will be closed a while." Traffic monitoring service INRIX stated: "M60 in both directions closed, severe delays due to accident from J25 A560 Crookilley Way (Brinnington) to J1 A5145 Travis Brow (Stockport Pyramid). "Congestion to M56 J3A (Baugley) clockwise and back past J24 (Denton Island) anti-clockwise as traffic queues. "Motorway was closed around 11:30am after a vehicle went through the central reservation." Six vehicles were involved in the crash, officials confirmed. Emergency services rushed to the motorway shortly before 11.30am and found multiple vehicles were at the scene. Three lorries, two cars and a van were involved in the collision. The National Highways said: "Update, #M60 both directions between J25 and J27 near #Stockport closed. "Multi-vehicle collision, infrastructure damage (barrier, lamp columns), fuel spillage and a shed load. Thankfully only minor injuries but substantial clean-up required."
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
M60 traffic: Warning for anyone heading to major UK airport as EIGHT lorries & cars crash with motorway completely shut
STEER CLEAR M60 traffic: Warning for anyone heading to major UK airport as EIGHT lorries & cars crash with motorway completely shut PASSENGERS have been issued an urgent warning if they're heading to a major UK airport today. It comes as the M60 in Greater Manchester has been closed in both directions following a multi-vehicle crash involving four lorries and four cars. Advertisement The smash saw beer barrels strewn across the road and sparked traffic chaos earlier today. National Highways posted the warning on X, which read: "#M60 both directions between J25 and J1 near Stockport#Bredbury#GreaterManchester ROAD CLOSED Due to a multi-vehicle collision, spillage, shed load and infrastructure damage. Be aware if heading to/from @manairport." 1 Passengers have been warned there could be delays to and from Manchester Airport More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Advertisement Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
From constipation to ‘tennis elbow' all bizarre ailments netting Brits brand-new cars under corrupted Motability scheme
The Motability scheme faces growing scrutiny as influencers boast about how claimants can exploit the system EASY STREET From constipation to 'tennis elbow' all bizarre ailments netting Brits brand-new cars under corrupted Motability scheme Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TAXPAYERS are funding cars for drivers with ailments including constipation and "tennis elbow". The £600 million-a-year Motability scheme offers essential support to individuals with severe physical or mental disabilities. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 One brazen influencer has been seen bragging about how to get a £31k car for fraction of the price Credit: TikTok 2 Other Brits are claiming new motors under the Motability scheme, bragging they're 'driven around in style' Credit: TikTok But new figures have laid bare how the scheme - which vital to giving those with physical or mental disabilities access to reliable transportation - has been corrupted beyond recognition. The keys to 40 cars were allocated to individuals with 'tennis elbow', a condition that 'causes pain around the outside of the elbow' but is typically resolved with rest, according to the NHS. And 20 individuals suffering from constipation made use of Motability, along with ten people struggling with a 'failure to thrive'. Over 32,000 new cars were handed over for people suffering anxiety or other depressive disorders, while 800 went to individuals with obesity. While obesity can lead to mobility challenges in severe cases, some believe this inclusion is too broad and leaves the programme's goodwill open to exploitation. What's more, the data shows that 770 cars were leased to individuals with alcohol misuse problems, with 220 going to those with issues around drugs. The data was released in response to a Parliamentary Question, published by the Guido Fawkes website and reported on by the Daily Mail. Number of Brits claiming brand new cars under taxpayer-funded disability scheme soars due to TikTok The scheme, which costs some £600m and is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, supports around 589,000 claimants in England and Wales as of 2024. It allows beneficiaries to exchange part of their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for a car, powered wheelchair, or scooter, essentially giving them options tailored to their needs. It also allows friends or relatives to drive the vehicle on their behalf of the claimant, further expanding its usefulness. Furthermore, the initiative drives a significant portion of new car purchases in Britain - accounting for one in five sales across the country. This heavily supporting the automotive industry in the process and, in turn, creating jobs. Conditions that qualify for taxpayer-funded cars under Motability scheme ADHD/ADD: 9,090 Alcohol misuse: 770 Anxiety and depressive disorders: 32,160 Anxiety disorders - other/type not known: 2,600 Back pain: 6,760 Constipation: 20 Depressive disorder: 7,460 Elbow disorders - other/type not known: 50 Obesity: 800 OCD: 650 Phobia - social: 190 Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): 40 Allergy risk of anaphylaxis unknown or not fully assessed: 10 Failure to thrive: 10 Food intolerance: 20 It provides those who are physically or mentally unable to gain access to reliable transportation - which can reduce isolation and improve mental health, thus enabling them to engage more fully in society. But there are claims that people are exploiting the system. Some influencers have even been found to boast online about obtaining these vehicles for minimal costs, and even advising others on how to maximise their benefits. Earlier this year, we reported on one balaclava-wearing influencer who gave viewers a step-by-step guide to obtaining PIP and Motability - and even suggested followers could take the government to court if turned down. In one video, he shows viewers how to pick up an Abarth 695 Sport, usually worth £31,000, for 'basically free'. He said: 'To get this car, all you have to do is pay £599. "This car is an automatic with nearly 200 brake horsepower, and it does 0-60 in 6.5 seconds. The Sun Says Motability scheme has been corrupted beyond recognition by obvious scammers CAN there be a greater example of how our welfare system has spiralled out of control than the grotesque monster that Motability has become? For decades the scheme provided a lifeline for profoundly disabled people. But since Covid, Motability has been allowed to mushroom into a massive industry way past its original remit. A system designed to help the most vulnerable use their Government PIP payments has now warped into a £7billion company supplying one in five new cars in Britain. How? Because thousands claiming to have issues such as anxiety have been allowed to sign up for luxury BMWs and Mercedes 4x4s. Taxpayers are now even coughing up for people who say they are depressed to claim free driving lessons. The Sun is NOT suggesting genuinely disabled people shouldn't be protected. But Motability has been corrupted beyond recognition by hordes of obvious scammers. Labour must ignore the hand-wringers, concentrate on the genuinely needy. And end this insanity once and for all. Hardly good news when debt has ballooned and billions for defence spending is urgently needed. She's right to try to slash the burdensome red tape unnecessarily tying up businesses. But here's a couple of bigger ideas for the Chancellor to add to her growth wish list: Axe Ed Miliband's ruinous Net Zero targets. And stop whacking taxes on families and business. "Did I mention it has a full exhaust system, which absolutely sounds insane?' And another user explained in a video how her four-year-old autistic daughter would be 'driven around in style' after replacing their Vauxhall Zafira with a new Skoda Kodiaq. The family motor is typically worth £36,000, but can be picked up on Motability for just £3,299. John O'Connell, at the Taxpayers' Alliance, said: 'The Government must look at the criteria before this situation gets worse.' But Motability Operations said: 'To use the Motability Scheme, you must receive a higher rate mobility allowance. 'Eligibility for the allowance is determined and awarded by the Government.' Another systemic issue flagged by critics is the three-year replacement cycle for vehicles provided through the scheme. It's argued that this timeframe is unnecessarily short, given the durability and longevity of modern day motors, while replacing vehicles every three years escalates costs and raises concerns about wastefulness. Labour peer John Mann questioned the necessity of such frequent replacements. He said: 'Motability is making too much money. It needs tighter criteria. There needs to be a return of some of this money they have accrued to the exchequer. 'I also question why it is necessary for its customers to change to a new vehicle so regularly. Cars last a long time and the whole point of Motability must be to help people live a normal life. Three years per car is too short a time frame.' While concerns around the scheme's overall financial management, eligibility criteria and misuse are certainly valid, the Motability scheme remains a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of Brits with genuine mobility challenges. Many believe reforming the programme to address certain issues and prevent exploitation could ensure it continues to fulfil its mission - without compromising its vital role in supporting disabled individuals.
