Moment Asda lorry goes up in flames on M60 as drivers trapped in traffic chaos
This is the moment an Asda delivery lorry burst into flames, sparking traffic chaos on roads across south Manchester. The drama unfolded on the M60[1] at around 2.45pm this afternoon (Friday, January 12).
The supermarket-branded HGV caught alight on the anti-clockwise stretch of the motorway near junction three for the A34 Kingsway. Videos and pictures filmed from the cars of stunned passing motorists showed flames lapping out of the lorry, which was on the hard shoulder.
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Almost the entire trailer became engulfed as firefighters and police officers raced to the scene. A total of eight fire engines were dispatched with traffic being halted as crews doused the vehicle in water, sending smoke billowing out across the motorway.
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The lorry on fire earlier (Image: Jason Hoather)
Drivers reported being able to see the smoke from several miles away. Thankfully the driver was unharmed and no one else was injured. The cause of the fire has not yet been disclosed.
Eight fire engines attended the scene (Image: Julie Coldwell)
Traffic was eventually released however two of the four lanes on that side of the motorway remain closed whilst the burnt-out vehicle is recovered. This has led to chaos for drivers on one of the region’s busiest routes with delays of over an hour during rush hour.
Crews donned breathing apparatus as they tackled the flames (Image: Julie Coldwell)
As of 7.20pm, there remains queues stretching back to junction 7 for Stretford[4] on the M60 and back to junction 5 of the M56 (for Manchester Airport[5]). It is still said to be taking drivers over 45 minutes to pass through the area. with delays on the other side of the motorway due to drivers slowing down to look. Motorists looking to avoid the M60 have since caused gridlock on roads in nearby Gatley, Cheadle[6] and Heald Green.
Thankfully no one was injured (Image: Jason Hoather)
Stagecoach also said bus services in parts of southern Stockport[7] were delayed by over 45 minutes.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “At around 2.40pm today (Friday January 12) eight fire engines from Withington[8], Whitehill, Wythenshawe[9], Cheadle, Stockport, Moss Side[10], Gorton[11] and Altrincham[12] fire stations attended a large goods vehicle on fire near to junction three of the M60 motorway.
There were delays of over an hour following the incident (Image: Highways England/Motorway Cameras)
“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used three hose reels to extinguish the fire and make the scene safe.”
An Asda[13] spokesperson said whilst the emergency response was ongoing: “We are aware of an incident involving one of our vehicles on the M60 around Manchester.
“We are pleased that nobody is injured and emergency services have now attended the site.”
References
- ^ M60 (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ click here (manchester.page.link)
- ^ FOLLOW LIVE TRAFFIC UPDATES HERE (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Stretford (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Manchester Airport (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Cheadle (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Stockport (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Withington (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Wythenshawe (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Moss Side (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Gorton (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Altrincham (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Asda (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)