Recap: Huge Bolton lorry fire that brought roads to a standstill

St Peter's Way/A666 was shut just before 6pm due to a lorry on fire, causing long queues stretching back to the M60 Swinton Interchange, and from the Kearsley roundabout to Manchester Road in Moses Gate ­— with smoke filling the sky.

Firefighters were first called to the incident around 5:05pm.

The fire broke out near the Kearsley junction and firefighters from across Bolton's stations were quickly sent to deal with it.

The A666 northbound was shut, with no access from the M60 ­— in both directions ­— off the M61 southbound until just after 11pm.

Motorists already on the dual carriage reported delays of nearly two hours and said the vehicle was well alight as emergency crews arrived.

It is understood the driver escaped the vehicle without any serious injuries.

A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Four fire engines and an aerial appliance were called to the scene at approximately 5.05pm on Friday, 5 March.

"The vehicle, which was carrying mattresses, was well alight when fire crews arrived to the scene. Firefighters used jets, breathing apparatus and ladders to bring the fire under control."

People were asked to avoid the area and local businesses and residents were urged to keep their windows closed.

One motorist who got trapped in the traffic told The Bolton News she noticed smoke as she came on to St Peter's Way off the Kearsley roundabout.

She said:"There were two fire engines going the same way as us and when we saw it it was properly on fire.

"They were letting us go past slowly we were probably stuck for an hour and 45 minutes.

"I didn't know what was in the lorry but it seemed they were really battling to control the fire."