THE westbound M62 around Oldham and Rochdale has now reopened.

Both carriageways of the motorway between junction 20 and Oldham and junction 21 at Milnrow were closed at around 9.35am earlier today following a fatal collision.

A car travelling on the eastbound carriageway was involved in a collision with an HGV then crashed through the central reservation onto the westbound carriageway and collided with another car and two HGVs.

The man travelling in the car was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are working to identify him and trace his family.

A man and a woman who were travelling in one of the other vehicles have been taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries, which are not believed to be life-threatening at this stage.

A number of other motorists were also reportedly left "walking wounded".

Highways England traffic officers have been at the scene all day working to manage traffic and free vehicles on both carriageways stuck behind the incident.

All vehicles were freed from the motorway by 2pm with traffic officers turning vehicles around and sending them off at the nearest junction.