Motorists are lucky to be alive as M62 pile-up causes Huddersfield traffic chaos

Jul 20 2010 By Emma Davison

HUDDERSFIELD’S roads were totally snarled up after a lorry crash on the M62 closed the motorway completely.

The M62 was shut for several hours between Brighouse and Ainley Top yesterday after the crash involving a lorry and two cars – and firefighters are amazed no-one was killed.

Three people were taken to hospital and the motorway was closed in both directions between junctions 24 and 25 for more than five hours after the incident at midday.

One firefighter described how the motorway was littered with debris after the accident and said he was amazed there were no fatalities.

Watch manager Stephen Bates from Elland Fire Station said: "All of the vehicles were very badly smashed up.

"Those involved suffered a few minor injuries including cuts and bruises, but nobody appeared to be seriously hurt.

"There was debris all over the place and looking at what happened I was very surprised that nobody was more seriously injured."

Brighouse watch manager Alex McFarlane added: "It is amazing that we haven’t had any fatalities.

"Quite a few vehicles were involved and debris from the crash went down the motorway but managed not to hit anyone."

"The fire service did not have to cut anyone out but commuters were stuck a long time and some people were getting distressed.

"We were also called to try and help a farm vehicle because it was carrying pigs which were getting affected by the heat."

The crash happened near to junction 25 when the HGV driver was travelling from Ainley Top at junction 24 towards Brighouse.