A serious collision and significant oil spill have forced the closure of a major UK motorway, with emergency services including an air ambulance rushing to the scene.
Motorway Shut for Emergency Response
The M62 motorway is closed westbound between Junction 35 at East Cowick and Junction 34 near Whitley in the East Riding of Yorkshire. The incident, which occurred on Friday, January 9, involved a collision resulting in debris and a substantial oil spill across the carriageway.
To facilitate the emergency medical response, the eastbound carriageway was temporarily blocked to allow an air ambulance to land at the location. While all eastbound lanes have since reopened, the westbound side remains completely shut.
Traffic Chaos and Extended Delays
National Highways Yorkshire has confirmed the incident is a 'serious collision'. Humberside Police are in attendance, and National Highways traffic officers are on site managing the complex situation.
Drivers caught within the closure are being turned around to exit the scene, while all other traffic is being diverted onto local roads. National Highways has urged motorists to allow considerable extra time for their journeys, consider rerouting, or even delaying travel if possible.
Initial recovery expectations proved optimistic. At 1.54am on Saturday, January 10, officials stated normal traffic conditions were expected between 3.30am and 3.45am. This was later revised, with an update at 4.20am pushing the estimated return to normal flow back to between 6.15am and 6.30am.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
The closure is expected to remain in place for several hours as crews work to clear the wreckage, treat the oil spill, and conduct necessary investigations. The deployment of an air ambulance underscores the severity of the crash.
Commuters and travellers are strongly advised to avoid the area, follow official diversion routes, and check live traffic updates from National Highways before setting out.
