M62 fully closed in both directions after teenager killed in horror crash

A stretch of the M62 was closed off in both directions this morning after a 19-year-old male was killed in a serious collision late last night.

The motorway was initially closed off between junction 21 for Milnrow and junction 22 for Denshaw at around 11pm last night (December 21st).

Emergency services attended the scene and Greater Manchester Police have sadly confirmed that a 19-year-old male, who was travelling as a passenger in the vehicle, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the car involved in the one-vehicle crash suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital, and the remaining passenger suffered no injuries, police say. 

The closure has remained in place through the night and is likely to cause delays into the rest of the morning, although the carriageways are expected to reopen soon. 

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and plan an alternative route if they can. A diversion route is also in place on both sides of the carriageway.

National Highways said: “The M62 in Greater Manchester is closed in both directions between J21 (Milnrow, near Rochdale) and J22 (Denshaw), due to a serious collision involving at least two cars.”

In a tweet posted at 5.50am, North West Motorway Police said: “The closures on M62 between j21 and j22 both east and west bound will be remaining on for the foreseeable future due to a serious Police incident, find an alternative route if possible.”

A spokesperson for GMP said: “On Thursday, December 21st 2023 at around 10:30pm, officers were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving one vehicle on the M62 near junction 21 in Milnrow.

“Emergency services attended the scene and a 19-year-old man – a passenger in the vehicle – was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The driver suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital and the remaining passenger suffered no injuries.  

“Initial enquiries suggest that a grey Vauxhall Astra was driving westbound on the M62 near to junction 21 in Milnrow when the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with the central barriers.”

The statement continued: “Subsequently, the car then crossed over onto the eastbound carriageway and overturned.

“The 19-year-old driver was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in custody for further questioning. GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

“They are also keen to speak to anyone who may have any footage, including dashcam, mobile phone footage from the area in the moments leading up to the collision.”

GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

They are also keen to speak to anyone who may have any footage, including dashcam and mobile phone footage from the area in the moments leading up to the collision.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting reference number 3685 of 21/12/2023.

Information can also be shared using GMP’s ‘report’ tool or LiveChat function on its website: www.gmp.police.uk.