Lorry driver critically injured and M62 closed in both directions at junction 21, Milnrow

The lorry driver has been airlifted to hospital in a critical condition

A lorry driver has been critically injured and the M62 closed in both directions at junction 21, Milnrow following a serious collision.

At 8.15am on Monday 8 June 2015, a lorry collided with the central reservation of the M62 west bound, near to junction 21, Milnrow.

The lorry went through the reservation, onto the opposite side, colliding with a number of vehicles.

The lorry driver has been airlifted to hospital and is in a critical condition. It is unknown at this stage if there are any other injuries.

The M62 at Milnrow/Shaw has been closed in both directions and it is not known when it will be reopened.

Police are advising motorists to avoid the area and find alternative routes.

NW Motorway Police are advising ‏motorists coming off the motorway at the closures that their diversion route is to follow the black triangle.

East bound trapped traffic is being released past the scene on the hard shoulder.

West bound traffic is being turned around from the back.

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UPDATE 1.30PM

North West Motorway Police Group and West Yorkshire Police and Greater Manchester Ambulance Service have dealt with the incident scene. They are now working on recovery and clean-up, this is expected to take several hours.

The lorry was carrying a load of 44 tonnes of butter which requires removal before the vehicle can be recovered. A substantial diesel spill has also damaged the carriageway which will require resurfacing before the lanes affected can re-open. All traffic which was stuck within the closed section behind the incident has now been released.

There are delays approaching the road closures eastbound from J18 and westbound from J24. A diversion is available for road users to follow around the closure.

If travelling eastbound exit at J21 and follow the A6193 eastbound (towards Milnrow). At the the third roundabout turn right on to the A640 southbound through Newhey and on to Denshaw. In Denshaw turn left on to the A672 northbound and remain on this road to J22 of the M62.

Westbound travellers should exit at J22 and follow the above route in reverse (A672 southbound to Denshaw, turn right on to the A640 northbound through Newhey and on to Milnrow and rejoin the M62 at J21).

Please note this diversion route is comprised of rural, single carriageway roads and therefore is likely to be congested.

As the M62 is expected to be closed for a protracted period road users intending to travel on this section of road are strongly urged to consider alternative routes and to allow additional time for their journey.