Van driver becomes hero after setting up TV for M62 motorists to watch England match

A Carling lorry fire closed a section of the M62 this afternoon - as hundreds of motorists took to social media fearing they would miss the England v Germany match.

The fire was on the M62 westbound from J22 for Denshaw to J21 for Milnrow.

The section has been closed while emergency services deal with the incident.

Highways England tweeted: "The #M62 westbound #J22 (#Denshaw) to #J21 (#Milnrow #Shaw #A640) is currently CLOSED due to a lorry fire. Traffic Officers & @manchesterfire are currently at the scene.

"Congestion is building on the approach. If planning travel, avoid the area. Updates to follow."

A further update posted after 3.30pm said: "The incident over in the #Rochdale area is going to take a considerable amount of time to resolve due to the complexity of the incident.

"We are working as hard as we can on the Yorkshire side of the hills to release trapped traffic and get people home for the football."

Football fans stuck on the motorway took to social media out of desperation at the prospect of missing the 5pm kickoff today.

Carl Hartley said: "Not today, please no!

"I need to be back and in front of the tele for 5pm.

"Stuck in queues, not moving, on the #M62.

"Come on, show some mercy!"

Michael Melia added: "The one day you want to rush and get home from work..."

However, one picture of a van driver who set up a TV in the driver seat of his vehicle has gone viral on social media.

Vicky Thomas said: "When you're stuck on the m62 and England are playing, set your TV up and all stand around watching it!"

Many fans were forced to watch the match from their devices in their cars as traffic ground to a halt on the M62.

UPDATE:

Carling confirmed their driver was unhurt in the incident.

Replying to concerns for the driver's injuries on social media, Carling said: "We’ve checked in with our supply partner and very relieved to confirm that emergency services responded and the driver escaped unhurt."