M65 crash LIVE updates as motorway closed to traffic following seven-vehicle crash in Lancashire

LIVEUpdated 9 mins ago

The motorway is shut to traffic in both directions - updates as we get them

Junction 8 of the M65

Amy Fenton Senior reporter and Tom Burnett Content Editor

The M65 motorway is closed in Lancashire following a seven-car crash tonight (Wednesday, May 13).

The eastbound carriageway is shut between Junction 8 (Hapton) and Junction 10 (Burnley).

The closure was first reported shortly after 8pm and all emergency services remain at the scene, with a diversion route in place.

A National Highways spokesperson said: "The M65 in Lancashire is closed between J8 (Hapton) and J10 (Burnley) due to a 7 car collision. Lancashire Constabulary are leading the response with Ambulance and Fire crews also in attendance.

"Early reports suggest there are no serious injuries but Police wish to keep the road closed due to the amount of vehicles involved and emergency services personnel on scene.

National Highways traffic officers are assisting with closures."

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: "We want to update you and let you know that the M65 eastbound between junctions 8 -10 is currently closed due to a road traffic collision. We anticipate that this will be closed for some time, whilst we assess the situation. In the meantime, we'd recommend looking for an alternative route and driving carefully, leaving plenty of extra time to get to your destination.

"We'll keep tabs on what's happening and we'll update you here once the road is open.

As always, thank you for your patience and stay safe if you're out and about today."

This is a breaking incident. We will bring you updates as they become available on our feed below. ?

New Updates

Today21:10 BST

Closure now reported to just be on Eastbound carriageway

Earlier reports suggested the closure was in both directions.

However it now appears to be just the eastbound carriageway affected.

Tom Burnett[1]

Today20:59 BST

Diversion route

A National Highways diversion route is in place: Leave M65 at J8At M65 J8 roundabout take the third exit onto the A56 southboundLeave the A56 at the A56/A679 junctionAt the A56/A679 eastern roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A679 eastbound Accrington RoadAt the A679/Bentley Wood Way Roundabout take the second exit onto the A679 Accrington RoadAt the A679/A671 roundabout take the first exit onto the A671 northbound Cavalry WayAt the A671 M65 J10 roundabout take the second exit and re-join the M65

Tom Burnett[2]

Today20:48 BST

Police expect road to remain shut for some time

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: We want to update you and let you know that the M65 eastbound between junctions 8 -10 is currently closed due to a road traffic collision.

We anticipate that this will be closed for some time, whilst we assess the situation."In the meantime, we'd recommend looking for an alternative route and driving carefully, leaving plenty of extra time to get to your destination."We'll keep tabs on what's happening and we'll update you here once the road is open. As always, thank you for your patience and stay safe if you're out and about today."

Tom Burnett[3]

Today20:47 BST

Diversion route in place

The following diversion route is in place:

• Leave M65 at J8
• At M65 J8 roundabout take the third exit onto the A56 southbound
• Leave the A56 at the A56/A679 junction
• At the A56/A679 eastern roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A679 eastbound Accrington Road
• At the A679/Bentley Wood Way Roundabout take the second exit onto the A679 Accrington Road
• At the A679/A671 roundabout take the first exit onto the A671 northbound Cavalry Way
• At the A671 M65 J10 roundabout take the second exit and re-join the M65

Tom Burnett[4]

Today20:39 BST

Latest from Inrix

Inrix, the traffic data company, said: M65 Eastbound blocked due to accident between J8 A56 (Accrington) and J10 A671 Cavalry Way (Burnley / Padiham)."

Tom Burnett[5]

Today20:33 BST

Not believed to be any serious injuries

There are not believed to be any serious injuries.

However emergency services have kept the road shut due to the sheer number of vehicles involved.

Tom Burnett[6]

Today20:30 BST

Seven vehicles involved

Seven vehicles are involved in the incident and all emergency services are at the scene.

Tom Burnett[7]Follow Manchester Evening News:

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References

1. ^ Tom Burnett (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
2. ^ Tom Burnett (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
3. ^ Tom Burnett (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
4. ^ Tom Burnett (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
5. ^ Tom Burnett (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
6. ^ Tom Burnett (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
7. ^ Tom Burnett (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)