WEST YORKSHIRE, UK — July 7, 2025 — Major travel disruption struck one of the UK’s busiest motorways today as a tanker fire on the M62 led to significant congestion and five-mile-long queues between Junction 22 at Saddleworth and Junction 23 near Huddersfield. The incident, which occurred during peak rush hour, caused delays of up to 45 minutes and widespread frustration among commuters traveling between Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.
The fire, which broke out after a tanker broke down on the eastbound carriageway, resulted in partial lane closures. While all lanes have since reopened, heavy congestion remains in both directions, and the recovery operation is still ongoing.
What Happened: Tanker Breakdown and Fire
According to National Highways Yorkshire, the incident began in the early hours of the morning when a fuel tanker experienced mechanical failure and came to a halt on the eastbound side of the motorway. The driver, acting swiftly, managed to detach the cab from the trailer, potentially averting a much more serious incident.
However, flames quickly engulfed the tanker’s fuel section, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. Fire crews and police arrived within minutes, securing the area and beginning containment operations. While the fire has since been extinguished and no injuries reported, its impact on traffic has been substantial.
Major Travel Delays Continue
The incident occurred on one of the most critical motorway stretches in the north of England, directly affecting traffic flow between Greater Manchester, Saddleworth, and West Yorkshire. Both eastbound and westbound carriageways have experienced heavy delays, with rubbernecking drivers on the westbound side further slowing traffic as they passed the scene.
Traffic monitoring service Inrix reports congestion spanning nearly five miles, with journey times between key junctions extending up to 45 minutes. Although all lanes have been cleared and reopened, traffic remains slow as backlog queues gradually dissipate.
Areas Most Affected
- Eastbound M62: From Junction 22 (Saddleworth) to Junction 23 (Huddersfield) remains heavily congested
- Westbound M62: Also impacted due to onlooker delays
- Local routes near Oldham, Marsden, and Slaithwaite are experiencing increased pressure from diverted traffic
Guidance for Motorists: Travel Tips During Disruption
With delays likely to continue throughout the day, National Highways and West Yorkshire Police have issued guidance for affected motorists:
- Use Alternative Routes: Consider the A672 or A640 as alternate routes to avoid the affected section of the M62.
- Check Live Updates: Use real-time navigation tools like Google Maps, Waze, or National Highways live traffic updates before departing.
- Avoid Travel If Possible: If your journey is non-essential, consider delaying your travel plans until traffic conditions improve.
- Remain Alert: Expect sudden stops and slow traffic in the area. Maintain safe following distances and avoid distracted driving.
- Plan for Extra Time: Add at least 30 to 60 minutes to your journey if traveling through or near the affected corridor.
Broader Impact on the M62 Corridor
The M62 motorway serves as a vital connection between major cities like Manchester, Leeds, and Hull, and forms the backbone of northern England’s commuter and freight network. As a key east-west corridor, any disruption along this stretch has ripple effects on regional traffic and local roads.
Incidents such as today’s tanker fire not only delay commuters but also disrupt logistics and freight transport, impacting supply chains. Businesses reliant on time-sensitive deliveries are particularly vulnerable to these sudden shutdowns.
Authorities have acknowledged the growing frequency of disruptions on the M62, which often sees closures due to accidents, severe weather, or mechanical failures. Long-term planning to upgrade motorway infrastructure, including smart traffic systems and emergency response zones, continues to be a priority for transport agencies.
Recovery Operations and Safety Coordination
As of mid-afternoon, National Highways Yorkshire confirmed that recovery crews have removed the damaged vehicle from the scene and cleared debris from the motorway. While the structural integrity of the road has been assessed and deemed safe for vehicles, traffic flow remains reduced due to residual congestion and high volumes of diverted drivers.
Coordinated efforts between fire services, West Yorkshire Police, National Highways, and private recovery firms helped minimize the potential scale of the incident. The quick response of the tanker driver in detaching the cab from the trailer also prevented a more severe explosion or environmental hazard.
Looking Ahead: Lessons from the Incident
The M62 tanker fire highlights the importance of robust emergency response plans, regular vehicle inspections, and public communication in managing motorway safety. It also underscores the need for motorists to remain aware and adaptable in case of sudden road closures.
As congestion is expected to persist into the evening, officials are urging drivers to stay patient and remain cautious. Additional patrols have been deployed in surrounding areas to manage traffic flow and assist stranded motorists if needed.
Conclusion: Expect Delays, Stay Informed
Today’s fire incident on the M62 near Saddleworth and Huddersfield has caused significant disruption for thousands of travelers. Although all lanes have now reopened, long delays remain, and recovery efforts will continue into the evening hours.
Motorists are encouraged to stay updated through live traffic feeds, explore alternative routes, and drive safely while traveling through the area. As the summer travel season intensifies, preparedness and flexibility remain key to navigating unforeseen incidents on the UK’s busiest roads.
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