Jaw-dropping pictures have been released by police of a crumpled lorry involved in a crash which ground traffic to a halt on the M62 today.
Emergency services closed off the exit slip road of the M62 at Junction 7 Rainhill Stoops after the smash around 10.30am.
Traffic was also held on the M62 as a result of the crash on the westbound side of the motorway.
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Now police have published pictures of the mangled heavy goods vehicle after confirming its driver miraculously appears to have avoided serious injury in the crash.
The driver has been taken to hospital to be "checked out" say police.
The images show a shattered windscreen on the lorry whose front end is caved in as a result of the incident.
Other body damage is also evident.
Police have made no mention of any other vehicles.
Tweeting the pictures North West Motorway Police said: "This was the scene of the RTC @MerPolTraffic dealt with along with Highways at J7 Exit slip Westbound M62.
"Driver off to hospital to be checked out. We are please to report at this stage no serious injuries Thanks for your patience and support."
North West Motorway Police earlier confirmed police and ambulance were in attendance.
Traffic stuck on the motorway has since been released.
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A lane was also closed on the motorway as a result of the crash.
Highways England had warned motorists that they must carry on past Junction 7.
They tweeted: "Any traffic wanting to exit on the westbound must remain on the motorway and continue down towards #J6 at #Tarbock."
