A major motorway shutdown: the M61 grinds to a halt after a devastating crash.
The M61 motorway was brought to a standstill following a severe collision involving two cars and a lorry near Farnworth on February 20th. This incident prompted a full closure of the motorway in both directions, causing significant disruption to travelers.
But here's where it gets intense: an air ambulance was called to the scene, indicating potential life-threatening injuries. The crash occurred on the northbound carriageway at junction four, and the emergency services' response was swift and comprehensive.
According to a spokesperson from Greater Manchester Police (GMP), they were dealing with a collision involving two cars and a heavy goods vehicle (HGV). The spokesperson assured that the scene was being managed, and the motorway closure was necessary for safety. Despite the severity of the crash, no serious injuries were initially reported, which is a small relief amidst the chaos.
Traffic cameras revealed a grim sight: queues stretching back to the Kearsley Spur, affecting traffic joining the M61 northbound. The Inrix traffic monitoring service reported significant delays due to the accident, with all lanes closed from J3 to J4.
As the morning progressed, the motorway reopened southbound, but the northbound side remained closed. Adding to the chaos, emergency services were also dealing with another crash further north on the M61, resulting in a complete stop of traffic between junctions eight and nine.
This second incident, described as a multi-vehicle collision by National Highways, has since been cleared. However, the initial crash near Farnworth continues to be a live event, with updates unfolding as the situation develops.
Key Updates:
10:07 - Traffic starts moving again as one lane reopens on the M61 northbound, while recovery efforts continue.
09:49 - A person is taken to hospital in Chorley, with minor injuries reported by the North West Ambulance Service.
09:25 - The M61 reopens southbound, providing some relief to drivers, but the northbound closure at Farnworth persists.
09:21 - Greater Manchester Police issues a statement, confirming their attendance at the collision and providing reassurance that injuries are not believed to be serious.
09:19 - Heavy traffic is reported at the Kearsley Spur, where drivers have been attempting to join the M61 from the M60.
09:07 - Inrix reports 'long delays' in both directions near Farnworth, with queues building up.
08:58 - An air ambulance is expected to land on the motorway, heightening concerns about the severity of the crash.
08:55 - All traffic is stopped on the M61 northbound at Farnworth, with queues forming and details of the collision still emerging.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation unfolds. And this is the part where we ask: how do you think such incidents could be prevented in the future? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below, and let's spark a conversation about road safety and emergency response.
