M65 closed between junctions 10 and 12 after car crashes into central reservation

The eastbound carriageway has been shut from junctions 10 (Burnley, Padiham, A671) to 12 (Nelson, Brierfield) after a car crashed into the central reservation at around 11.15am.

Police, fire and ambulance crews are at the scene, but initial police reports suggest that that there are no serious casualties.

There is currently queuing traffic back to junction 9 (Hapton) and Highways are advising motorists to avoid the area until further notice.

Debris from the crash, which involved a single vehicle, has scattered across multiple lanes, forcing Highways to stop all eastbound traffic.

A police spokesman said: "It’s a one vehicle collision on the eastbound carriageway of the M65 between junction 10 and 12.

"A single vehicle has gone into a barrier and it has sent debris across the carriageway. It has caused congestion and fire, police and ambulance are at the scene.

"Injuries at this stage don’t appear too serious. The driver is being checked over.”

North West Ambulance Service has been approached for further details on injuries.

Traffic was also initially held on the westbound carriageway, but has since been released.

Highways England has warned that the stretch of motorway could remain closed until around 3pm.

One motorist who is currently stuck in the queue close to the scene, said police officers have told him they expect delays of up to 3 hours.

More to follow...