Traffic chaos ensued on the M62 following a tragic accident late Sunday night, which resulted in the death of a 24-year-old man. The crash occurred around 11:30 PM on March 2, 2025, when the man’s Audi A5 S line veered off the westbound carriageway, collided with a bridge at Junction 19 near Heywood, and caught fire shortly thereafter.
Emergency services responded immediately, deploying air ambulances and police to the scene between Junctions 18 and 19. Despite their efforts, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene, highlighting the tragic circumstances surrounding the incident. Detective Constable Rachael Stafford from Greater Manchester Police expressed deep condolences, stating, "At the heart of this is a man who has sadly lost his life and family and friends who are now having to come to terms with this loss."
The police have since confirmed no other vehicles were involved, and investigations began as soon as they arrived at the scene. Throughout the night and early morning, the westbound carriageway of the M62 remained closed, severely impacting traffic. Initially, the roadway was shut from Junctions 19 to 18 to facilitate emergency response and clean-up crews. By around 3:30 AM, parts of the motorway were reopened, but Junction 19 remained closed for continued forensic inspections.
Motorists faced significant delays, with reports indicating tailbacks stretching up to ten miles and waiting times extending beyond 90 minutes during the Monday morning rush hour. National Highways urged drivers to avoid the area if possible and to allow extra time for their journeys. They implemented diversions which directed vehicles off the motorway at the slip roads, but the congestion remained intense as commuters rerouted through local roads as well.
The police have appealed to anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who possesses dashcam footage from the time of the incident to come forward to assist with their investigation. DC Stafford stated they aimed to gather as much information as possible to piece together the events leading up to this heartbreaking incident.
Motorway traffic was backed up from Junction 21 at Milnrow and beyond, as officials worked on clearing congestion caused by the incident. Commuters who were traversing the M62 were finding themselves stuck for prolonged periods. Motorists were advised to plan their routes carefully and avoid the area to help alleviate pressure on the already strained highways.
By Tuesday morning, after hours of investigation, recovery continued. National Highways provided updates indicating contractors were ready to clean, and damage assessments would take place before full reopening could be confirmed. Their efforts were aimed at minimizing the impact of the accident and restoring normal traffic flow as soon as possible.
Traffic on nearby roads, including the A672, faced congestion as more drivers sought alternative routes in response to the M62 closure. Local authorities have noted increased travel times during the incident, causing frustration among travelers and local residents alike.
News outlets monitored the situation closely as updates emerged from police and traffic management teams. Onlookers were encouraged to stay informed through traffic updates and warned of the continuing risk of congestion on affected routes.
With the loss of life proportional to the minor accident, it was clear this incident had far-reaching effects on many. Local communities felt the impact, as friends and relatives mourned the untimely death of the young driver. Police reiterated their calls for dashcam footage, as it may offer additional insights and possibly provide closure for the affected families.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time, and we urge anyone who can assist with information about the incident to come forward,” DC Stafford concluded. The region continues to grapple with the aftermath of the crash, waiting as conditions return to normal on one of its busiest motorways.