M62 bridge crash LIVE as main road closed after lorry carrying digger crashes

A recovery job is underway after a lorry carrying a large digger crashed into a bridge under the M62.

Police and firefighters are at the scene on Heywood Old Road between Middleton and Heywood following the smash earlier today. One nearby resident described hearing 'an almighty bang' when the crash happened.

She added: "I looked out to see the lorry stopped and the driver getting out. The road is now closed both ways and police and firemen on scene as well as some serious heavy lifting equipment.

"It clipped under the bridge and the digger tipped over, but it has caused chaos with road being shut."

Pictures from the scene show the excavator balanced precariously on the back of the low loader. Heywood Old Road is currently closed to traffic while the recovery takes place.

Police and the fire service have been contacted for comment.

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These pictures from our photographer Jason Roberts give an indication of the scale of the job faced by the recovery workers. The road remains closed while the operation is taking place.

Andrew says the digger appears to be at a 'strange angle' with the tracks pointing upwards. He says the recovery is continuing with workers spreading across the road.

Police and recovery workers are continuing their jobs at the scene pic.twitter.com/N8BhvzTDxl

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said:

At around 12.20pm on Saturday fire crews were called to reports of a road traffic collision on Manchester Road, Heywood.

One fire engine from Rochdale station quickly attended the incident, which involved a lorry carrying a mechanical digger colliding with a bridge.

Firefighters helped make the area safe before handing the scene over to