Lorry carrying live chickens catches fire

Motorists on the M62 are asked to take extra care this morning after chickens escape from a lorry.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) received a call just after 10.00am on Friday, 21 September, to report that a lorry was on fire on the hard-shoulder of the M62 between Junction 21 Milnrow and Junction 20 Thornham Island.

Heywood firefighters were sent out to the motorway, where they fought to put out the fire that involved the rear wheels of the lorry, following a blow-out.

The lorry was carrying 6000 live chickens and around 500 were affected by the smoke from the fire. Some of the chickens got out onto the motorway as a result of the incident.

GMFRS is working with the Highways Agency.

As of 10.55am fire crews remained at the incident.