A 68-year-old man has been killed in a serious crash on the M62.

The car transporter driver was involved in an accident involving his vehicle and two lorries close to junction 23, westbound, near Scammonden water at around 12.30pm today.

The road was closed between junction 24 (Ainley Top) and junction 22 (Rishworth Moor) for some time but has now re-opened, police confirmed at 6.10pm.

A Highways England spokesman said: "Trapped traffic has now been released. Two lorries and a car transporter were involved, affecting traffic travelling from Bradford towards Manchester."

The incident is causing major delays for motorists, with queues stretching back to Brighouse and Chain Bar, near Bradford. 

And to add to delays, a broken down vehicle is also causing tailbacks, and one lane closure, on the M62 at junction 25, Brighouse, westbound. 

Police are currently at the accident scene and have described the crash as "very serious", urging drivers to avoid the area. 

 

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

The accident scene on the M62. Picture: @YorksAmbulance

Earlier today a Highways Agency spokesman said: "The westbound carriageway of the M62 is closed due to a serious traffic incident which happened earlier today near Huddersfield.

"As a result the westbound carriageway of the M62 will be closed between junction 24, Ainley Top, and junction 22, Saddleworth, during this evening’s rush hour while the police investigation continues.

"Highways England is working hard with West Yorkshire Police and other emergency services to reopen the M62 as soon as safely possible and is advising drivers to consider alternative routes or to delay their journey if possible.

 

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Traffic on the M62 at junctions 23 to 22. Picture: Highways England

"Traffic is being diverted off at the Ainley Top junction via the A629 towards Halifax, along the A646, the A58 through Sowerby Bridge and on to the A672 in Ripponden to return to the M62 at junction 22.

"The incident happened at around 12.30pm today between junction 23, Huddersfield, and junction 22, Saddleworth." 

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Earlier today, motorists faced delays on the same stretch of the motorway after a crash between two cars and a van, with tailbacks again stretching back beyond Brighouse towards Chain Bar. 

The incident closed two lanes of the westbound carriageway at junction 23.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

The road re-opened after the vehicles were moved onto the hard shoulder.

There were also delays on the eastbound carriageway with motorists slowing down to look at the incident. 

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

There were no reports of any injuries.

One motorist, who was travelling from Huddersfield to Bradford, described the scenes on the opposite carriageway.

"It looked like quite a nasty accident - two cars were badly damaged and police were trying to get the vehicles onto the hard shoulder so the motorway could reopen.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

"The queues were massive. It was solid traffic all the way down the hill towards the Brighouse turn-off, and then right back up the other side towards Chain Bar.

"Nobody was going anywhere fast, You wouldn't have wanted to be struck in that." 

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

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