Key Points
- Emergency services responded swiftly to a collision on the M60 clockwise, within Junction 15 of the M61 near Kearsley, on Tuesday, 22 July 2025.
- All traffic was stopped for a notable period while the situation was assessed and managed by emergency staff.
- The incident caused an oil spill on the carriageway, necessitating prompt treatment and cleanup before the motorway could reopen.
- Significant congestion developed in both directions as a result of the traffic standstill, impacting thousands of motorists.
- No fatalities or serious injuries had been confirmed at the time of the emergency response, but authorities were monitoring the situation closely for developments.
- National Highways North West coordinated with on-site Traffic Officers and provided public updates to motorists and media throughout the incident.
- The motorway was reopened after the area was declared safe and the oil spill was cleared, with residual delays continuing as normal flow resumed.
Emergency Services Halt Traffic Following Collision and Oil Spill on M60 at Kearsley Junction
Why Was Traffic Stopped on the M60 Near Kearsley on 22 July 2025?
As reported by the National Highways North West team and verified by updates through their official social media channels, all traffic on the M60 motorway was brought to a halt in the clockwise direction at Junction 15 of the M61 near Kearsley after an incident occurred mid-morning on Tuesday, 22 July 2025.
Emergency services, including fire, police, and ambulance teams, responded rapidly to the scene. As detailed by the real-time communications from National Highways:
“Traffic is stopped on the #M60 clockwise within J15 #M61 #Kearsley due to a collision. Emergency services and Traffic Officers [are] on scene,”
the official statement read, confirming active management at the site.
What Led to the Standstill and What Was the Nature of the Incident?
According to National Highways updates reviewed by several local media outlets, the incident involved a vehicular collision on the affected stretch of the motorway. Emergency responders confirmed that, in addition to physical damage to one or more vehicles, the collision resulted in an oil spill across the carriageway.
The presence of oil on a high-speed thoroughfare represented a serious hazard, and as a result, officials had to stop all traffic for safety reasons while specialist crews treated and neutralised the spill.
“The incident caused an oil spill on the carriageway, which had to be treated,”
the official update from National Highways stated, as cited in both their direct statements and local traffic reporting.
How Did the Incident Affect Motorists and Commuters?
During the period of closure, significant traffic congestion rapidly accumulated. Vehicles were held in place for the duration of the emergency response, and travellers, including commercial haulage drivers and daily commuters, reported delays extending for miles along the M60 and adjacent arteries.
The impact was felt particularly acutely by those travelling during the busy mid-morning hours when the collision occurred. According to real-time data from traffic-road monitoring services and social media updates, drivers were advised to remain patient and to follow alternate routes where possible.
Were There Any Injuries or Loss of Life Reported?
At the time of filing this report, neither National Highways nor Greater Manchester Police confirmed any fatalities or serious injuries directly attributable to the accident. Medical teams on the scene provided assessment and, where required, immediate assistance to those involved in the collision. Media outlets closely monitored official channels for any updates on casualties, but by early afternoon, no major hospitalisations linked to the event had been reported.
What Was the Official Response from National Highways and Local Authorities?
In their formal communication, National Highways North West praised the fast and coordinated work by their traffic officers and emergency partners, emphasising the importance of safety protocols in such emergencies. Outreach through social media and regional radio kept motorists updated with timely information and safety guidance.
An official statement issued via their X (formerly Twitter) account at 11:10am read:
“Traffic is stopped on the #M60 clockwise within J15 #M61 #Kearsley due to a collision. Emergency services and Traffic Officers on scene.”
Traffic was monitored, and queues began to dissipate as soon as the hazard from the oil spill was mitigated and the road was deemed structurally safe for normal use.
How Was the Oil Spill Handled and Who Led the Cleanup Operation?
The incident’s unique risk factor—a petroleum oil spill—required intervention by specialist road maintenance crews trained in hazardous materials response. As reported by multiple local traffic news platforms and corroborated by the National Highways North West statements, a treatment team was dispatched as part of the initial response cohort.
The crew applied absorbent compounds and conducted scraping operations to ensure all traces of oil were cleared from the tarmac. Only after a full inspection by safety engineers was the motorway section reopened to general traffic.
How Long Did It Take for the M60 to Return to Normal?
While the exact duration of the closure was not specified in minute-by-minute updates, witnesses and commuters described traffic as being held “for a short while” during late morning to early afternoon.
National Highways North West confirmed that after clearing the hazard and carrying out checks, cars and lorries were permitted to proceed, with residual congestion gradually easing through the afternoon. The regional transport authority urged drivers to “drive with caution” as some cleanup operations and lane restrictions persisted beyond the initial reopening.
How Did the Community React and What Support Was Provided?
Community and driver reactions were mixed, with many expressing gratitude for the efficient work of emergency responders, while others voiced frustration at the unavoidable delays.
Highways officials maintained frequent contact with the public via digital and radio broadcasts, and provided alternative route suggestions for those affected. No reports of secondary accidents or injuries related to the traffic pause were made public.
What is the Broader Context of Accidents on the M60 Near Kearsley?
The M60, as one of the major orbital motorways serving Greater Manchester and surrounding districts, is susceptible to daily congestion and, on occasion, major incidents such as the one described. Previous years have seen significant efforts made by both National Highways and Greater Manchester Police to coordinate rapid response and uphold safety standards during such events.
Was There Any Impact on Local Infrastructure or Ongoing Traffic Management?
Local authorities confirmed that as of late Tuesday afternoon, no structural damage to the motorway was evident and all lanes were expected to reopen. Long-term traffic management changes or significant detours were not necessitated by this accident, aside from standard highway procedures during emergency events.
What Can Motorists Expect Moving Forward?
As reported by National Highways and local media, motorists are reminded to heed speed limits, remain alert for any newly posted traffic signs, and follow updates from official travel sources during future road emergencies.
Authorities emphasised that the quick response, effective communication, and public cooperation played key roles in minimising both risk and disruption on this occasion.