M62 reopens after vehicle fire and 'explosion' caused major delays near Leeds

The M62, which runs just south of Leeds, has reopened this morning following a multi-vehicle crash on Monday that brought the busy commuter route to a stop.

The incident was first reported just after 4pm yesterday (April 20), when a vehicle fire on the eastbound carriageway between Junction 29 (Lofthouse) and Junction 30 (Methley Lanes) brought traffic to a standstill.

Road closures spilled over into the westbound carriageway, where two lanes were forced to close. Hour-long delays formed in both directions as National Highways set up diversions and redirected traffic.

In a statement issued on Monday afternoon, West Yorkshire Police said: “Police were called to Junction 30 of the M62 eastbound at 4.07pm to a report of a collision involving four vehicles.

“Emergency services attended the scene, where all parties were out of the vehicles involved and in a safe location. No life-threatening injuries have been reported.”

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service later confirmed that at least one vehicle involved had “exploded”, saying: “A number of vehicles are on fire and cylinders have been identified at the scene, with at least one exploding. Please avoid the area if possible and give way to our crews attempting to reach the incident.”

Overnight repairs, including emergency resurfacing works, were carried out, with the road fully reopening in both directions by 5am this morning. A National Highways spokesperson confirmed no further repairs to the road surface are required.