Terrified drivers speak of horror moment lorry crossed M60 in major crash

One motorist said the mayhem unfolded after a car first hit one of the lorries involved

17:08, 07 Jul 2025Updated 17:28, 07 Jul 2025

Terrified drivers have told of how they were forced to swerve and slam on their brakes as a lorry crossed the M60[1] in a horrific collision on Monday morning (July 7).

Emergency services were called out to the scene of an eight-vehicle collision - involving four HGVs and four cars - between between junctions 27 at the Portwood roundabout and junction one for the Stockport[2] Pyramid just before 11.30am.

One HGV involved is said to have crossed through the central reservation and struck 'several lamp columns in the process'. Another then shed its load of beer barrels into the carriageways, with 'several ruptured fuel tanks' also leaking diesel onto the carriageway.

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Both carriageways were closed by emergency crews with diversions put in place. Horror footage of the aftermath showed crushed cars, a lorry cabin on its side and debris strewn across the carriageway.

The central reservation appeared to have been obliterated with oil and beer barrels also scattered across the ground.

One motorist, who was behind the crash when the chaotic scenes unfolded, told the M.E.N it started with a 'speeding car' which caused another to swerve and hit one of the lorries involved.

"A car was racing on the motorway and caused another car to swerve into the HGV, which then swerved across to the other side," they said.

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"The lorry then went over which caused a knock on effect.

We were in the car directly behind so we got out, I was on the phone to 999 and went to check everyone. The fire brigade were there within five minutes, then ambulance and police crews and an off duty paramedic who pulled over to help with the chaos.

"To make it even worse, we were stood there in the middle of the motorway with this horrible crash and people are driving off at junction 27 on the phone or hanging out their windows recording.

"[Cars] swerved straight into other lanes. My husband hit my brakes and my car swerved over the two lanes.

"It was really really bad.

But luckily no-one was seriously hurt and the 999 operator got everyone there really fast. She was great keeping me calm on the phone while I was explaining everything."

Police, paramedics and fire crews raced to the scene and closed off the motorway in both directions as they responded to the incident on Monday.

It was confirmed that no serious injuries had been reported in the collision but that a number of people suffered 'minor injuries'. The North West Ambulance Service North West Ambulance Service said three people were taken to hospital for further treatment, with six others assessed at the scene for minor injuries.

A National Highways statement just after 1pm said: "Greater Manchester Police[5], Manchester Fire & Rescue, North West Ambulance Service, National Highways Traffic Officers and maintenance contractors are attending this incident.

"It has been confirmed there were only minor injuries from the collision but it is expected the road will remain closed in both directions for a substantial amount of time due to the amount of infrastructure damage, spillage, debris clean-up and the recovery of several substantially damaged large vehicles."

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References

1. ^ M60 (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
2. ^ Stockport (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
3. ^ here (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
4. ^ HERE (chat.whatsapp.com)
5. ^ Greater Manchester Police (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
6. ^ by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
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