A tanker crash at around 9am this morning saw police close the M60 after harmful chemicals spilled onto the motorway.
The lorry containing sodium hydroxide, or caustic soda, shed its load on the clockwise carriageway between Junctions 16 at Pendlebury and 17 at Prestwich.
As of 10.30am on Wednesday 6 January police urged the public to “avoid the area”.
The m60 junc 16-17 will remain closed for the next few hours due to an RTC invoving a hazardous chemical tanker-please avoid the area.
— NW Motorway Police (@NWmwaypolice) January 6, 2016
Fire crews called to the scene said they had the chemical spill under control, but that the route was likely to remain closed for some time.
We have contained the spillage on the M60 J16-17 now, but all clockwise lanes will remain shut for a while – thanks for your patience.
— Manchester Fire (@manchesterfire) January 6, 2016
Debris scattered across the road when the tanker hit the hard shoulder.
Drivers were stopped on the anti-clockwise carriageway but the main delays are clockwise.
Traffic heading away from the Swinton Interchange, north towards Prestwich has been stopped, with long delays.
Police and Highways England are at the scene.
The chemical, commonly used in cleaning products, is harmful to humans and animals.
It’s commonly used as paintstripper, or for clearing blocked drains or pathways.
If touched or inhaled the chemical can cause burns to the skin or respiratory problems.
It’s expected the M60 will remain closed until at least lunchtime on Wednesday while workers clear the toxic chemicals from the carriageway.
North West Motorway Police are tweeting regular updates from the scene.
RTC junc 16-17, lots of debirs in the carriageway lanes closures being put in place to get it cleared.
— NW Motorway Police (@NWmwaypolice) January 6, 2016
Traffic stopped #M60 C/W J16-J17 while we assist emergency servcies with an accident involving a tanker. Will keep you updated Expect delays
— Highways England (@HighwaysNWEST) January 6, 2016
Diversions are in place and delays are expected throughout the morning.
Diversion route for m60 c/w j16-17 incident is off at j15 to join m61 off at j3 up the a666 and follow the Holow black square.
— NW Motorway Police (@NWmwaypolice) January 6, 2016
Main image by @Danielreid98 via Twitter
