M62 westbound closed both ways by police after crash

A MOTORWAY has been closed in both directions by police after a serious crash where a car flipped over and erupted into flames.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) was called to the westbound carriageway of the M62, between junction 23 (Huddersfield) and junction 22 (Rishworth Moor), at 4.22am.

A car had flipped onto its roof and then erupted into flames.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and YAS sent a team leader, ambulance, a specialist paramedic and a Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).

They are still at the scene now.

An emergency vehicle on the M62 westbound carriageway, at junction 24 (Image: National Highways: Yorkshire)

Both carriageways were closed initially, as a result.

The westbound carriageway has been shut between junction 24 (Ainley Top) and junction 22, with the entry ramp at junction 23 closed as well.

The eastbound carriageway was shut between junction 23 and junction 22 but reopened at 7.22am.

This is leading to queues on the motorway, with traffic stretching back to junction 25 (Brighouse) on the westbound carriageway.

Trapped traffic is being turned around.

Traffic queueuing on the M62 westbound carriageway at junction 25 (Brighouse) (Image: National Highways: Yorkshire)

A statement from West Yorkshire Police said: "Emergency services are currently in attendance at a serious road traffic collision on the M62 Westbound carriageway between junction 23 and 22. 

"The collision involves one vehicle, and the motorway is currently closed in both directions. 

"We ask that you avoid the area at this time and plan alternative routes as necessary."

A statement from Highways England: North-East published at 4.57am said: "The M62 near Huddersfield is closed westbound between J24 and J22 and eastbound between J23 and J22 due to a vehicle fire.  

" Emergency services are in attendance. 

"More information to follow shortly."