A SERIOUS smash on the M62 caused massive traffic jams on roads around Huddersfield.
A lorry crashed into the back of a mobile crane on the eastbound carriageway near Scammonden, between Junctions 22 and 23, at 1.20pm yesterday.
The crash, in the first lane, left the middle-aged lorry driver badly trapped in his crushed cab. Specialist heavy lifting gear was needed to rescue him.
A trauma team from Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and three ambulances went to the scene.
The Yorkshire Air Ambulance was also drafted in and the motorway was shut in both directions while it landed.
Watch Manager Peter Rushby, of Elland fire station, said: "It was a full impact to the front of the vehicle, which left the driver trapped by his legs and up to his waist.
"The entire front of the cab had been pushed in, trapping him against the steering wheel and dashboard."
The specialist rescue equipment included platforms, so the crews could work at height to get into the cab.
Paramedics stabilised the driver's condition. He was conscious throughout his ordeal, but heavily sedated.
Once freed, he was taken to the Royal Infirmary by ambulance.
The driver is 54 and comes from Newcastle. His injuries are not life-threatening.
The crane driver was slightly hurt.
The smash caused massive tailbacks on the M62 which spilled on to local roads. Manchester Road was still badly choked at teatime.
