Dashcam and mobile phone footage has captured the shocking moment a lorry burst into flames on the M60.
The vehicle caught fire on the motorway during rush hour on the M60 anti-clockwise between J17 for Whitefield and J15 for Bolton on Friday evening (May 12). Lanes were blocked with over five miles of traffic as emergency services rushed to the scene.
A propane cylinder which exploded in the flames was thrown across the carriageway, where it struck a car causing serious damage. All passengers involved escaped without injury.
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Videos shared with the Manchester Evening News show the moment the HGV, that had moved on to the hard shoulder, went up in flames.
Fire crews were called out to the scene shortly before 5.30pm following a number of concerned 999 calls. Witnesses reported hearing a 'loud bang' before the vehicle caught fire with thick plumes of black smoke pluming over the motorway.
In a tweet, North West Motorway Police said: "This was an asphalt wagon at J16 ACW M60, the driver noticed flames & brought the vehicle to a stop on the hard shoulder where he was able to get out before the flames took hold.
"Before the arrival of GMFRS some propane cylinders had exploded. One was thrown into the embankment but one was thrown across the carriageway where it struck a Qashqai in lane 3 causing the damage. Fortunately the driver managed to keep control & bring the vehicle to a stop without HITTING any other vehicles. All involved were uninjured inc a dog in the back of the Qashqai."
On Friday night, a spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 17.22 this afternoon we received the first of multiple 999 calls reporting an HGV on fire on the hard shoulder of the M60 between junctions 17 and 16.
"Police and firefighters are at the scene working closely together to bring the situation under control. The motorway is closed and the area should be avoided."
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