Drivers are experiencing traffic chaos during rush hour following a collision involving seven vehicles that led to the closure of a section of the M65 this evening. Emergency services are currently responding to the multi-vehicle incident on the westbound carriageway at J3 for Blackburn West/Wheelton.
According to National Highways North West, the collision involved “at least seven vehicles.” Traffic is moving slowly on the eastbound carriageway as well. The AA has reported “severe delays” westbound between J6 and J3, with delays also occurring eastbound between J1 and J4.
The Lancashire Police were notified of the crash at 4.20 pm, involving six vehicles, with no details on damages or injuries provided yet. National Highways had earlier confirmed the involvement of at least seven vehicles in the incident.
The M65 has been completely closed, with the westbound carriageway shut at J3 Brimmicroft Interchange near Blackburn due to the collision. All emergency services are present, and traffic is being redirected via the exit and entry slip roads. Drivers should anticipate delays of over an hour, with tailbacks stretching up to six miles from the accident site.
Inrix, a traffic monitoring service, has reported that the M65 Westbound is closed with long delays due to the accident at J3 A674 Chorley Road (Blackburn West / Wheelton), causing congestion up to J4 (Darwen / Blackburn South). Additionally, traffic on the opposite side is slow due to onlookers. Initially thought to be an obstruction, the incident is now confirmed as an accident.