M65 horror crash leaves four firefighters in hospital after fire engine overturns

Four firefighters have been rushed to hospital after their fire engine overturned in a horror crash on the M65.

The incident happened on the entry slip road to the westbound carriageway at junction 10 near Burnley. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 2.30pm on Saturday (June 15).

Steve Healey, deputy chief fire officer at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS), said the fire engine "was not travelling under blue lights at the time of the incident" and an internal investigation into the circumstances is underway, LancsLive reports.

Police said the road was "closed for some time" and the firefighters were taken to hospital by the North West Ambulance Service.

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Pictures of the crash shared on social media showed the fire engine on its side on an area of grass between the slip road and the carriageway. The area was cordoned off by police for recovery and investigation works.

In a statement, Dep Ch Healey said: "Thank you for all the well wishes shared following a road traffic collision involving a fire engine and several of our firefighters on the M65 this afternoon. Sadly four of our colleagues were hurt but thankfully avoided more serious injuries and we are supporting them and their families.

"I would like to acknowledge the crews who responded to the incident with utmost professionalism despite the obvious pressure of dealing with an incident involving colleagues. Thank you also to our partners for their support during the incident particularly the health professionals who treated the crew."

"The whole service is wishing them a quick and full recovery."