M61 crash involved 5 vehicles with 2 injured, say emergency services

The rush-hour crash shut the M61 in both directions just before 6pm, near Farnworth. Two people were taken to hospital with multiple injuries following a five-vehicle collision on the M61 motorway on Wednesday evening (January 7). A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said firefighters attended after reports that one vehicle had left the carriageway and come to rest in a ditch.

Three fire engines from Farnworth and Bolton fire stations, along with the Enhanced Rescue Unit from Leigh, were dispatched to the scene. (Image: Phil Taylor) The spokesperson said: "One vehicle had left the carriageway and come to rest in a ditch, with two casualties, a man and a woman, trapped inside suffering multiple injuries.

"Firefighters released both casualties using winch and cutting equipment, who were then conveyed to hospital by colleagues from North West Ambulance Service." North West Ambulance Service confirmed that two people were injured, and were taken to hospital for treatment. Greater Manchester Police said the incident involved a total of five vehicles.

The motorway was closed in both directions while emergency services dealt with the collision.

The M61 northbound was shut between junctions two and four, while the southbound carriageway was closed between junctions four and three, near the M60/A666.

All vehicles were recovered and the motorway reopened at around midnight.