The M62 motorway was shut down today after a man in his thirties lost his life in a car crash during a police pursuit. West Yorkshire Police were engaged in the chase with a black Mercedes that refused to stop on the motorway just before 1:00 am. The vehicle collided with a barrier as it tried to exit the motorway.
The man, who was the only person in the car, passed away at the scene. Following the tragic incident, the road has been blocked, and drivers are advised to find alternative routes.
National Highways has confirmed the reopening of the M62. They announced, “The #M62 is now OPEN within J28 eastbound. The J29 exit slip eastbound is also now OPEN along with access to the roundabout and #M1 north via the fast slip. Thank you for your patience.”
However, motorists are cautioned to plan their journeys accordingly as National Highways works on repairing a damaged lighting column on the junction 29 roundabout of the M62 due to the earlier collision.
West Yorkshire Police has initiated an independent investigation into the incident. They stated that the M62 eastbound section will remain closed for an extended period. The police have urged drivers to follow diversions and locate alternate paths.
In their statement, West Yorkshire Police confirmed the closure of the M62 eastbound following the fatal crash that occurred during a police pursuit. The force reported, “At around 12:52 am, a black Mercedes C220 failed to comply with police orders on the M62 eastbound, leading to a pursuit. Shortly afterward, the vehicle crashed into barriers while trying to exit at junction 29. The driver, a man in his thirties, died at the scene.”
The eastbound stretch of the M62 between J28 and J29 remains shut, prompting traffic diversions. If anyone witnessed the collision or events preceding it, they are encouraged to contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team.
The closure of M62 eastbound between J28 Tingley and J29 Lofthouse is due to a single-vehicle collision. The northbound exit at Lofthouse on M1 J42 is also closed. West Yorkshire Police, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, and Traffic Officers are present at the scene.
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