Lorry bursts into flames while carrying sawdust disrupting two major motorways

A lorry carrying sawdust caught fire, leading to chaos and disruption on two major motorways during rush hour. The incident occurred near junction 22 on the M62 when the HGV burst into flames, prompting a quick response from the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire as the lorry was completely engulfed, leaving only the framework standing.

The fire caused traffic to come to a standstill, with the eastbound stretch of the M62 from Greater Manchester to West Yorkshire remaining closed. The M60 was also affected by the incident, leading to significant delays. Emergency services extended the road closure back to junction 20 to facilitate a better diversion route and reduce delays. National Highways described the recovery process as “complex” due to the load of sawdust reigniting the flames.

Efforts to fully extinguish the fire proved challenging, with fire crews working late into the afternoon to manage the situation. The safety of road users was a priority, leading to the decision to keep the eastbound carriageway closed. Motorists were advised to follow diversion symbols on road signs to navigate the affected area.

As the recovery operation continued, updates were provided to keep the public informed of the ongoing situation. Despite the disruption, efforts were in place to reopen lanes on the westbound motorway to alleviate traffic congestion in the area. The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service expressed gratitude for the patience of road users during the incident.

In conclusion, a lorry fire carrying sawdust caused significant disruption on the M62 and M60 motorways, highlighting the swift response of emergency services and the challenges faced in managing such incidents on busy road networks. Road users were urged to follow diversion routes and stay updated on the situation as authorities worked to ensure the safety of all individuals involved.