A TRAPPED casualty was cut out of their vehicle by firefighters after a rush hour smash on the M62.

The crash occurred on the westbound carriageway near junction nine for the A49, Newton Road.

Fire engines from Birchwood and Lymm responded to a call at 5.25pm on Thursday, October 17.

Two lanes were closed as firefighters spent around one hour extracting the casualty, monitored closely by medics from Northwest Ambulance Service.

The extraction was completed by 6.20pm, when the casualty was handed over to the care of the ambulance service.

One lane remained open to traffic throughout the rescue.

The incident site was made safe by fire crews before the responsibility was handed over to Cheshire Police.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters attended the scene of a collision on the M62 involving two vehicles.

“One casualty was trapped in one of the vehicles and the crews planned an extraction procedure.

“Lanes one and two of the motorway were closed with slow moving traffic being allowed through in lane three.

"By 6.20pm, the casualty was removed from the vehicle and given over to the care of the ambulance service.

“The crews made the scene safe before making up equipment prior to leaving the incident in the hands of the police.”

The crash caused widespread traffic disruption, with National Highways reporting six miles of queuing traffic as a result.

Travel time was up to 45 minutes longer than usual through the area.

At the time of the incident, a National Highways North West spokesman said: “Lanes two and three, of three, are closed on the M62 westbound within junction nine for Warrington following a collision.

“There is currently approximately six miles of congestion on approach, causing delays of 45 minutes above usual journey times.”

“Motorists are advised to allow extra time for necessary journeys through the area.”

Cheshire Police have been contacted for an update on the condition of the casualty.