A three-vehicle crash caused one car to burst into flames - and led to hours of delays for drivers on the M61. Three vehicles smashed into each other near Junction 4 for Farnworth just after 2.40pm today (Sunday, October 6) leaving one car’s bonnet engulfed in flames.
And another car involved had crashed into the nearside barrier. Ambulance, fire services and police rushed to the scene. Three fire engines from Farnworth and Bolton were called.
Crews in breathing apparatus used a hose jet to put the car’s fire out. They remained on scene for 50 minutes. The accident caused the M61 to close until around 5.
45pm with traffic diverted via the exit and entry slip roads. (Image: Carl Haslam) Lanes one and two are still closed for emergency barrier repairs. A National Highways’ team is repairing the barriers and cleaning the oil and fuel that spilled from the car onto the carriageway.
No one was injured and there were no arrests made. A person had “self-rescued” from the burning car. It has since been removed.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 2.50pm today (Sunday 6 October), three fire engines from Farnworth and Bolton Central fire stations were called to reports of a crash involving three vehicles, including one vehicle which was on fire, on the M61 northbound between junctions 4 and 5. “Crews wearing breathing apparatus used a hose jet to put the fire out.
Greater Manchester Police closed the carriageway, managed m.