M62 closed after huge blaze engulfs crane lorry as witnesses report several 'explosions'

A MASSIVE blaze has broken out on the M62 after a crane lorry caught fire.

Locals in the Rochdale and Milnrow areas of Greater Manchester took to Twitter claiming to have heard several large bangs.

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Four pumps were on the scene in an effort to get the flames under control.

The Fire Brigade confirmed diesel had leaked onto the motorway and a hazardous materials officer has been sent to the scene.

Manchester Fire Service said in a statement: "At 8.36pm on September 24, four fire engines from Heywood, Rochdale and Chadderton were mobilised to a fire involving a mobile crane on the M62 westbound carriageway between J21 Milnrow and J20 Rochdale.

"The vehicle was well alight on arrival of crew and the heat had caused the vehicles tyres to explode which could be heard across parts of Rochdale and Oldham.

"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are tackling the fire with two hose reels while a specialist hazardous materials officer has been mobilised to the scene as the vehicle has leaked some diesel onto the carriageway.

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"Colleagues from Greater Manchester Police and the Highways Agency have closed both carriageways causing queues as expected."

There is stationary traffic and smoke drifting down the road with police asking motorists not to turn their cars around on the motorway.

The closures are expected to be in place until 11.30pm, according to Rochdale Online.

Highways England also posted: "Traffic is held in both directions on #M62 J21 - J20, nr #Milnrow, due to a vehicle fire. Emergency services at scene. Updates to follow."

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