Two men die after collisions bring M62 to standstill

The road had been closed in both directions since around midnight

West Yorkshire Police have confirmed the massive traffic jams which hit the M62 on Wednesday morning (8th May) were caused by two incidents which claimed the lives of two men.

It was at around 1am when police were called to the exit slip road of the eastbound carriageway at Junction 24 for Ainley Top following reports of a collision between a motorcycle and a stationary vehicle.

When they arrived at the scene the rider of the bike was found with life-threatening injuries, the 50-year old man died as a result of the collision.

Then at around 5am officers responded to reports that a man had fallen onto the motorway between junction 22 and 23, at Scammonden Bridge.

He also suffered life-threatening injuries and died a short time later.

As a result of both incidents the M62 was closed in both directions between Junction 22 for Rishworth Moor and Junction 24 at Ainley Top for several hours, including during the morning rush hour, causing massive trail backs which stretched for around 10-miles.

Police have issued a statement thanking motorists for their patients, Detective Superintendent Jim Griffiths of the Major Collision Enquiry Team (MCET), said:

“The two incidents meant there was a significant impact on the road network – especially for motorists looking to get to work in and around ‘rush hour’.

“I appreciate that the closures caused significant disruption but they were necessary to allow the emergency services to go about their work. Any decision to close the motorway is not taken lightly and the road has now reopened.

“I would like to thank motorists who were caught up in the traffic for their patience and understanding as we worked to investigate what had happened and to get the road reopened.”

Any witnesses to the collision are asked to call police on 101 quoting log 47 of Wednesday 8 May.

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