M61 closed after coach bursts into flames as drivers stuck in ‘long delays’ while firefighters put out blaze
THE M61 is closed after a coach burst into flames this evening, triggering a major emergency response and miles of queues.
Six fire engines were battling the blaze near Bolton with police officers also on scene, according to National Highways.
No injuries have been reported, with the driver and one passenger "safely evacuating" the coach before emergency services arrived, according to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue.
The motorway is fully closed on the northbound carriageway between J1 and J2 for the M60, with stranded drivers being turned around by police.
It is expected to remain in place for some time and diversions are operating.
According to traffic updates there are "long delays" this evening on the M60 in both directions.
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Cars are snarled up on the M60 anti-clockwise to J17 for Prestwich, and clockwise from J13 for Worsley.
The coach had been "dampened down", according to an update from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service just before 9pm.
An statement from National Highways reads: "The M61 in Greater Manchester is closed southbound between J1 and J2 (M60/ A666) near Bolton due to a coach fire.
"Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are on scene.
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"National Highways Traffic Officers are in attendance assisting with traffic management.";
And an update from traffic service Inrix reads: "M61 Northbound closed, queueing traffic due to coach fire from J1 M60 J15 (Swinton Interchange) to J2. Congestion to M60 J13 (Worsley) clockwise. Ongoing since around 18:40.
"Congestion to the M60 anticlockwise as traffic queues from J17 (Prestwich) and the M60 clockwise as traffic queues from J13 (Worsley)."
Drivers have been urged to build extra time into their journeys or re-route entirely if they are planning to pass through the area.
And motorists travelling southbound have been advised to follow the solid square diversion symbol on road signs.