Dramatic drone images show car engulfed by flames on M61

Dramatic drone images have shown the moment a car became engulfed by flames after a major collision on the M61 on Sunday (October 6).

Emergency services, including police, paramedics and fire crews, raced to the blaze on the northbound carriageway near junction four for Farnworth at around 2.40pm.

It had been reported that three vehicles had been involved in a crash, before a blue BMW involved was sent spinning into the middle of the carriageway before bursting into flames.

READ MORE They totally ruined a community for a dream that hasn't come true

The safety barrier at the side of the motorway was also sent shattering, with debris falling off the bridge and landing on an embankment below the carriageway.

The M61 was taped off by fire crews as all lanes on the northbound carriageway were blocked off. Delays of over 45 minutes built on Sunday afternoon with diversion routes put in place.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that they responded to reports of a 'multi-vehicle' road traffic collision and that no injuries were reported. No arrests have been made.

Dramatic new drone images show the BMW well alight in the middle of the carriageway. The driver managed to escape from the car before crews arrived.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 2.50pm today (Sunday 6 October), three fire engines from Farnworth and Bolton Central fire stations were called to reports of a crash involving three vehicles, including one vehicle which was on fire, on the M61 northbound between junctions 4 and 5.

“Crews wearing breathing apparatus used a hose jet to put the fire out. Greater Manchester Police closed the carriageway, managed motorway traffic and worked with firefighters to make the area safe. One person self-rescued from the vehicle. Crews were at the scene for around 50 minutes."