A lorry containing 7,000 chickens has crashed on the M62 allowing thousands of the birds to escape with some even hopping into the cars of motorists caught in the confusion
The M62 was closed after the lorry crashed on Wednesday morning with temporary barriers put up to stop the birds escaping.
Some of the chickens found their way into the cars of
queuing motorists who had wound down their windows to
enjoy the sun. (Note: I would like to be a fly on the "wheel" to look at this :-).)
Nearly 7,000 birds in crates were cast across all four lanes on the eastbound carriageway near Eccles Interchange on the M62 near Manchester.
Emergency service crew are currently clearing the debris, and rounding up the remaining chickens.
Whilst diversions are in place, motorists are been advised to avoid the area.
According to the Highways Agency, there were 6,800 chickens being transported at the time of the accident, and several hundred of them escaped.
Recovery teams sealed off the area to recoup the chickens, as motorists took to Twitter to discuss the incident.
Dale Solan said: "Casually driving down the M62, suddenly there are 1,000 live chickens in the road. Operation chicken re-coup."
Mike Walton wrote: "Playing chicken on the M62 in rush hour just isn't acceptable."
Among those caught up in the chaos was former Coronation Street actress Nikki Sanderson. She tweeted: "Great..Now there are chickens running about on the M62..Really, can my journeys 2work get any longer or more creative?? What next aliens??"
The chickens wandering around the road are being coralled and returned to the vehicle, although around 1,500 were killed, the spokesman said.
Motorists are being advised they face lengthy delays and are being urged to avoid the area.
