A lorry carrying sawdust burst into flames, causing chaos and disrupting two major motorways during rush hour. The incident occurred near junction 22 on the M62, where the HGV caught fire just before 10.20 am. Firefighters from the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service rushed to the scene to tackle the blaze, which completely engulfed the lorry, leaving only the framework standing.
As a result of the fire, traffic on the M62 heading from Greater Manchester to West Yorkshire was brought to a standstill. The closure of the motorway was extended back to junction 20, causing delays of up to 30 minutes on the eastbound carriageway. National Highways described the recovery process as “complex” due to the difficulty in extinguishing the sawdust load that kept reigniting.
Emergency services worked tirelessly to control the situation, with the eastbound carriageway remaining closed for safety reasons. Despite their efforts, the disruption also affected the M60, leading to further delays for motorists. A diversion route was put in place for those travelling eastbound, and fire crews continued to work at the scene late into the afternoon.
The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges emergency services face in handling such situations efficiently to ensure the safety of road users. Road closures and traffic diversions were implemented to manage the aftermath of the fire, highlighting the importance of preparedness and swift response in dealing with emergencies on major road networks.
In conclusion, incidents like these underscore the critical role of emergency services in maintaining public safety on our roads. The prompt and coordinated efforts of firefighters and rescue teams are essential in managing such disruptions and minimising the impact on commuters. Road users are reminded to stay vigilant and patient during such incidents, prioritising safety above all else on our busy motorways.