(The motorway reopened just after 1.30am)
A motorway is partially shut this evening after a crash involving a number of vehicles.
Emergency services are on the scene and diversions are in place, although traffic is building in the area.
The M66 is closed northbound between the M60/M62 Junction and J3 (Bury) due to a multi-vehicle traffic collision.
North West Motorway Police Group, National Highways Traffic Officers, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service are on scene.
A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said that they are dealing with a four car road traffic collision alongside police, and North West Ambulance Service.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 8.15pm on Sunday 25 August, fire crews were called to reports of a road traffic collision on the M66 northbound between junctions 3 and 4 near Bury.
“Three fire engines from Bury, Whitefield and Heywood, as well as the technical rescue unit from Ashton, were quickly mobilised to the incident, which involved four vehicles.
“Fire crews remain at the scene alongside other blue light services.”
A spokesman for National Highways North West said: "At Approx. 20:00, reports were received of a multi-vehicle traffic collision on the M66 northbound, to which initiated an immediate multi-agency response to the scene.
We are currently dealing with an incident on M66 northbound between j4 and j3 - lanes closed and long tailbacks, we are working with National Highways to deal with the tailbacks. Please be patient.
— North West Motorway Police (@NWmwaypolice) August 25, 2024
"Due to the severity of the incident, there are no estimated times for re-opening.
"Traffic caught within the closure will be relieved and turned around, in a safe and controlled manner, this will be done as soon as possible by our Traffic Officers, thank you for your patience."
Diversion Route Traffic is being diverted via local routes.
A spokesman for North West Motorway Police said: "With regards to the trapped traffic do not turn around and go contra on the carriageway you will be stopped and dealt with, we are beginning to allow traffic to go past the scene of the incident we are dealing with ."
A spokesman for National Highways North West said: "National Highways Traffic Officers and NW Motorway Police are positioning to relieve traffic within the closure past the scene."
Inrix, the highway information states: "M66 Northbound closed due to multi-vehicle accident from J4 M60 J18 (Simister Island) to J2 A58 Rochdale Road (Bury)."
This is a live and breaking incident and we will bring you information as and we get it.
For the latest information visit our website where we have a traffic page under local info.
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