Crashes over three days disrupt northwest England motorways

A series of serious collisions on major motorways across northwest England over the past three days forced multiple road closures and sparked miles of tailbacks, with emergency services carrying out prolonged investigations and recovery work.

The first of the incidents on Sunday afternoon, October 26, saw a car overturn on the A627 northbound near the M62 at Rochdale after it reportedly collided with a road sign and streetlighting. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters from Rochdale and Ashton stations attended and that one man had managed to get out of the vehicle before crews arrived. Greater Manchester Police confirmed a man was taken to hospital for treatment and that officers remained at the scene while lane closures were in place to ensure safe recovery.

That night a serious collision on the M6 in Lancashire closed the motorway in both directions between Junction 28 at Leyland and Junction 27 at Standish. The closure, first reported shortly before 10pm, led to large diversions and persistent delays into the early hours. National Highways said Lancashire Police, emergency services and National Highways Traffic Officers were on scene and warned the...