LIVE: M62 closed in both directions after huge HGV fire – updates

The M62 is currently closed due to a lorry fire.

Pictures from the scene show a HGV engulfed in flames and a huge plume of black smoke between junction 21 for Milnrow and junction 22 for Rishworth Moor.

Both carriageways were closed for hours following the closure at around 11.30am. The westbound carriageway reopened at 3pm but the eastbound carriageway remains shut with major delays in the area.

Drivers are being advised to avoid the area. Some motorists have reported being stuck in their vehicles for over three hours.

There are major queues on the surrounding roads as drivers bid to avoid the M62 closure, with long delays on the A672 in Oldham and the A58 in Rochdale in particular.

Highways England posted: “#M62 westbound J22 #Denshaw #Ripponden #Saddleworth #A672 to J21 #Milnrow #Shaw #A640 We are currently in the process of closing the carrigeway to assist @HighwaysNWEST with an ongoing vehicle fire.”

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