A stretch of the eastbound M62 near Brighouse could be closed until 7pm today after an earlier crash in which a woman suffered serious injuries.

The Highways Agency has advised drivers to avoid the eastbound carriageway around Huddersfield after a car overturned between junctions 24 (Ainley Top) and 25 (Brighouse) at about 1pm.

The 61-year-old woman driving the car was trapped and had to be cut free  before she was flown to Leeds General Infirmary by air ambulance.

She was in a stable condition in hospital, said police, who added that her condition was not believed to be life-threatening.

Two other people in the car were taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary for treatment. They are believed to have suffered minor injuries.

A West Yorkshire Police investigation into the incident is under way and the eastbound carriageway is closed at junction 24 with diversions in place.

The Highways Agency said the investigation is likely to last into rush-hour, with police saying it could last until at least 7pm.

Traffic is already queuing back to junction 22 at Rishworth Moor. There is also congestion on nearby roads as drivers look for alternative routes.

Two diversion routes from junction 24 are in place with drivers in cars and vehicles below 15ft 9ins advised to follow the ‘black hollow’ triangle symbol from junction 24 and rejoin the motorway at junction 25 via the A629(S), the A643(E), the A6107(E) and the A644(N).

Vehicles taller than 15ft 9ins should not join the A6107(E) but continue on the A643(N) towards Brighouse.