Explosions heard for miles as M62 is closed due to vehicle fire

Date published: 24 September 2017

Both carriageways of the M62 between junctions 20 and 21 are closed due to a vehicle fire (9.10pm).

Explosions could be heard and felt for miles.

A resident who lives near the Spring Inn on Broad Lane said: "It shook my whole house".

Photo: Luke Schofield

Photo: Luke Schofield

Emergency services are on the scene.

There is stationary traffic and smoke drifting - and police are asking motorists not to turn their cars around on the motorway.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue said: "Four fire engines from Heywood, Rochdale and Chadderton were mobilised to a fire involving a mobile crane on the M62 westbound carriageway between J21 Milnrow and J20 Rochdale at 8.36pm on 24 September.

"The vehicle was well alight on arrival of crew and the heat had caused the vehicle's tyres to explode, which could be heard across parts of Rochdale and Oldham.

"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are tackling the fire with two hose reels while a specialist hazardous materials officer has been mobilised to the scene as the vehicle has leaked some diesel onto the carriageway.

"Colleagues from Greater Manchester Police and the Highways Agency have closed both carriageways causing queues as expected."

The closures are expected to be in place until 11.30pm.

M62 closed due to vehicle fire
©Laura Jay Livsey