Man arrested as boy, 8, dies in M60 crash

A man has been arrested after an eight-year-old boy was killed and a six-year-old boy was seriously injured in a crash on the M60 between Denton and Ashton this afternoon (Friday).

A silver BMW collided with a highways maintenance vehicle, which was stationary on the hard shoulder, on the clockwise carriageway close to Junction 23 in Audenshaw at around 2pm. 

Two boys, aged six and 10, travelling in the BMW were taken to hospital with serious injuries. 

Sadly, the eight-year-old boy was pronounced dead a short time later, Greater Manchester Police have confirmed. 

A woman in the stationary highways maintenance vehicle received minor injuries.

The driver of the BMW, a man in his 30s, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drug driving. 

Police add that enquiries are still ongoing.

The motorway remains closed between junction 23 and junction 24 for Denton on the clockwise carriageway, while emergency services continue to deal with the incident. 

Traffic building up during the Friday evening rush hour in Ashton 

Cars queuing in Audenshaw 

More traffic in Audenshaw as a result of the motorway being closed

Traffic is being diverted via the "hollow circle" route and there are delays of around 40 minutes in the area, spanning over three miles back to junction 21. More information via Highways England can be found here: https://highwaysengland.co.uk/breaking-news/. 

M60, J24, Clockwise, closed for two Air Ambulances to land following a serious crash.#m60 #crash #helicopter #airambulance #police #highwaysengland #motorway #manchester @nwambulance pic.twitter.com/mU4xVCXOUM

— Matthew Greer (@Mavyo) February 28, 2020

The North West Ambulance Service told the Reporter it sent a rapid response vehicle, three ambulances, an advanced paramedic and two air ambulances to the scene, but the air ambulances weren't needed. 

Sergeant Matthew Picton, of GMP's Roads Policing Unit, said: "This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the boy’s family at this terrible time. 

"Our officers are currently piecing together the circumstances of the collision and we would appeal for anyone who witnessed it, or who may have dashcam footage, to get in touch as a matter of urgency." 

Anyone who has information should contact police immediately on 0161 856 4741, quoting incident 1591 of 28/02/2020 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

Main image:

The scene of the crash on the M60 this afternoon. Image credit: Matthew Greer.