BREAKING: Huge delays on M60 as three lanes closed after seven-car crash - latest updates

Motorists are battling queues on the M60 this rush hour after a crash involving seven vehicles near Prestwich and Whitefield earlier this evening. Three lanes of the clockwise carriageway have been closed off while the scene is cleared, near to junction 17.

Traffic is backing up through Salford and as far as junction seven for Stretford, according to the Inrix traffic monitoring system. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "Just before 6pm this evening seven vehicles on the M60 motorway between junctions 16 and 17 were involved in a road traffic collision.

"Firefighters from Whitefield and Broughton fire stations attended and made one vehicle safe at the request of Greater Manchester Police. North West Ambulance Service colleagues were also in attendance. All vehicle occupants were able to leave their vehicles and move to safety, and firefighters are leaving the incident."

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A spokesperson for National Highways North West wrote on Twitter: " M60 clockwise J16 - J17 near Prestwich [and] Whitefield. Three lanes (of four) are closed due to a collision.

"[Motorway police] are at scene with our traffic officers. An ambulance is en route. Delays building, now over five miles of congestion, with over 30 minute delays, back to J15 (M61 junction)."

An update from Inrix at 6.05pm added: "Three lanes closed and queueing traffic due to accident on M60 clockwise before J17 A56 Bury New Road (Prestwich / Whitefield). Congestion to M60 J7 (Stretford). Travel time is around an hour and 30 minutes."

Greater Manchester Police has been approached for comment.

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