It’s believed the pedestrian had been in a car which ran a red light and crashed into another vehicle on the M60 before the other occupants fled the scene
Emergency crews at the scene at Simister Island(Image: Kadyn Farnhill)
A man died after being struck by a car on the M66 ‘after a police pursuit’ with the motorway closed off overnight due to the incident.
Emergency services were first called to the scene on the motorway near the M60 junction at Simister Island on Sunday evening (November 16).
The motorway was fully closed off as police and paramedics responded and remained shut overnight for investigation work to take place.
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The pedestrian, a 19-year-old, was struck by a vehicle which was travelling southbound on the M66 at around 9.40pm. Greater Manchester Police say it is believed he may have been in a car previously involved in a pursuit with GMP patrol officers.
A blue BMW X3 had been initially spotted driving at speed on Bury Old Road and then went through a red light, which led to a police pursuit, the force said.
Officers lost sight of the vehicle and found it on the Junction 18 roundabout of the M60, believed to be abandoned after having collided with another vehicle.
Heavy traffic on the M60, near the M66 closure at Simister Island
The passengers of the BMW had fled the scene on foot along the motorway, leading to a collision with a Tesla, where the 19-year-old man died. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Referrals have been made to GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate and the watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
The Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.
DC Ian Lawton from GMP’s SCIU said: “Officers initiated a pursuit in accordance with policy after a vehicle failed to stop for police after being seen driving at speed. The subsequent collision and tragic fatal injuries are now part of an independent review with the IOPC.
“We extend our condolences to the family and are appealing for anyone with information to please come forward and report.”
“Officers are keen to speak to anyone who may have any CCTV footage, including dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area in the moments leading up to the collision.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting reference number 3150 of 16/11/2025 Information can also be shared using the ‘report’ tool or LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity – Crimestoppers – anonymously on 0800 555 111.