M66 CLOSED: Multi-car pile up hits motorway as Storm Emma takes hold
THE busy M66 motorway has been closed after a multiple-vehicle pile-up involving at least 16 cars near Bury, Greater Manchester, amid treacherous driving conditions and worsening weather. All lanes remain blocked in both directions and motorists are being told to avoid the area.
A multi-car pile-up has closed the M66 in Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “There has been a multi-car accident on the M66 southbound between the Ramsbottom and Bury junctions.
“We are on the scene but please avoid the area, traffic is going to be held up whilst we work.
The 16-car smash left 20 people injured
Highways England have now issued an alert over the smash on the M66 and put diversions in force.
A Highways England spokesman said: “The M66 in Greater Manchester is closed in both directions between J2 Bury, A56 and J1 Ramsbottom, A56 due to a multi-vehicle collision.
“Greater Manchester Police and all other emergency services are attending.
“Road users are being diverted on to local roads around the closure (via Bury and the A56). Road users should allow plenty of extra time for their journey and consider alternative routes if possible.”
Emergency services said 20 people were injured in the pile-up with North West Ambulance Service described them all as “walking wounded”.
Nobody was trapped in any of the vehicles involved and no one was taken to hospital.
The M66 was closed after the pile-up
Paramedics treated two people who stayed in their vehicles in the aftermath of the smash.
A spokesman for North West Ambulance Service confirmed there were no reports of serious injuries.
Images from the scene showed damage to cars and vans.
A bus was used as a refuge and shelter for those involved.