A serious four-vehicle collision has led to the complete closure of the M66 motorway in Greater Manchester, causing significant traffic disruption and lengthy queues late on Sunday night.
Emergency Response and Traffic Chaos
The incident occurred on the southbound carriageway between Junction 1 at Ramsbottom and Junction 2 at Bury, with emergency services rushing to the scene shortly after 10:30 PM on February 15, 2026. All traffic has been temporarily held as authorities manage the aftermath of the crash, creating substantial delays for motorists.
Details of the Collision
According to traffic data company Inrix, the accident involved four vehicles and has resulted in the full stoppage of traffic on the M66 Southbound between the A56 Walmersley Road exit at Ramsbottom and the A58 Rochdale Road exit at Bury. The severity of the collision has necessitated a major emergency response, with police, fire, and ambulance crews deployed to the location.
The closure is expected to remain in place for an extended period as investigators work to clear the wreckage and assess the scene. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes and expect continued congestion in the surrounding areas.
Impact on Travel and Commuters
With the motorway shut down, significant queues have formed on approach roads, and delays are anticipated to persist into the early hours of Monday morning. Travelers in the Greater Manchester region should plan for extended journey times and monitor local traffic updates for the latest information.
This developing story highlights the ongoing challenges of road safety and traffic management on key motorway networks, particularly during late-night hours when visibility and conditions can contribute to such incidents.
