Both National Highways North West and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said that at around 2.20pm, emergency services were called to a crash.
The incident happened on the M62 westbound between junctions 21 and 20, near the border between Oldham and Rochdale.
North West Ambulance Service confirmed they had taken two people to hospital as a result of the crash. Their conditions remain unknown.
National Highways had earlier confirmed that an air ambulance attended the scene.
The crash has led to a stretch of the M62 being closed between J21 and J20, as well as entry slip roads onto the motorway at J21 and J22.
A lane of the M62 eastbound has also been closed due to damage caused to a central reservation barrier, causing delays for motorists travelling eastbound.
At 5.45pm, National Highways said drivers heading westbound could expect delays of up to two hours, with approximately 13 miles of congestion having built up.
If you’re heading #M62 westbound, there are delays of up to 2 hours with congestion almost back to J24.
The #M62 remains closed westbound for investigation work between J21 and J20.
Approx. 13 miles of congestion. pic.twitter.com/akv7AZjkYQ
— National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) August 2, 2023
At around 3.30pm, GMFRS had said the road closure would be in place for “a number of hours”.
There are delays of up to 1 hour on the #M62 westbound due to the ongoing closure between J21 and J20.
Approx. 7 miles of congestion.
Diversion details here:https://t.co/oszhkj4m66 pic.twitter.com/HPx7qCW3rc
— National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) August 2, 2023
In a statement, a spokesperson for GMFRS said: “At approximately 2.20pm on Wednesday, 2nd August, firefighters were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving a car on the M62 westbound, between junctions 21 and 20.
“Fire engines from Heywood and Chadderton stations quickly attended the scene. Firefighters are using specialist equipment to make the area safe and remain in attendance at this time.”
The road closure remains in place.
Road users are advised to follow the solid square diversion symbol on road signs:
Exit the M62 at J21 and follow the slip road to the roundabout with the A6193
Take the 1st exit on to the A6193
Continue on the A6193 towards Rochdale
At the junction with the A664, turn left on to the A664 (Rochdale Bypass)
At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit on to the A627(M)
Follow the A627(M) and rejoin the M62 J20 westbound
There are severe delays of up to 2 hours on approach to the closure at J21. Approx. 13 miles of congestion almost back to J24.
Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for comment.