Tent in the road as investigations close M62 for 16 hours after man struck by car and killed in horrific crash

A tent remained in the centre of the motorway amid police investigations into a horrific crash that killed a man in the early hours of Tuesday (September 19).

Emergency crews raced to the scene of the smash, involving a car and a pedestrian, on the M62 at around 12.15am. Police and highways officers immediately closed off the motorway in in both directions between J11 for Birchwood and J12 for the M60.

The male pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics, with an investigation launched by officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit within Greater Manchester Police.

A man, aged 25, remained at the scene and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was taken into custody to be questioned by detectives.

The M62 remained closed in both directions overnight and throughout the day on Tuesday and was shut for a total of 16 hours amid investigations, before reopening at around 4.30pm. An evidence tent was erected in the road along with a visibly smashed up car a few yards in front.

Traffic on the M62 after the fatal collision (Image: National Highways)

The closure caused congestion on the East Lancashire Road throughout the morning and through Leigh, with a number of bus services also affected by the motorway closure due to the surge of traffic on local routes.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “At around 12.15am on Tuesday 19 September 2023, officers were called to a road traffic collision involving a car and a pedestrian on the M62. Emergency services attended the scene, and sadly an adult male was pronounced dead at the scene.

“A 25-year-old man remained at the scene was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been taken to custody for further questioning. Enquiries are ongoing at this stage.

“The M62 between Eccles and Birchwood will be closed in both directions and is expected to remain closed through the morning while officers conduct their investigations. Alternative diversions are being put in place, please avoid the area.”

References

1. ^{^} M62 to remain shut for hours with huge delays after tragic death of man (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
2. ^{^} M62, M60, M6, M61, M67, M56 and M66 traffic and delay updates (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)