Bickershaw Lane reopens after car crashes into tree and overturns

The road was closed in both directions, from Brookside Farm to the junction at the Travellers Site, after the crash at around 5.15am.

A police spokesman said: "At around 5.20am this morning, police were called to reports of a collision in Bickershaw Lane.

"A black Suzuki collided with street furniture and emergency services attended the scene, where both the driver and passenger were injured.

"The passenger – a 54-year-old man – was treated by paramedics at the scene and the driver – a 53-year-old woman has been taken to hospital.

"Barracks Road at the bottom of Bickershaw Lane was closed following the incident, but has since been re-opened."

The fire service said a car crashed into a tree and a lamp post outside Brookside Farm, before rolling over and landing on its side.

Fire crews from Leigh responded and used cutting equipment to rescue a woman trapped inside the drivers seat of the overturned car.

The woman was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital.

Firefighters said both the driver and male passenger suffered cuts and bruises, but were conscious and talking.

North West Ambulance Service confirmed that two patients have been taken to hospital.

A spokesman for NWAS said: "We were called to Bickershaw Lane at 5.14am after reports of a road traffic accident.

"We sent two ambulances and a rapid response unit.

"We have treated two patients and both were walking and talking at the scene.

"But they have both been taken in the same ambulance to Wigan Infirmary.

"It is not clear what the extent of any injuries are at this stage, but they are not believed to be serious."

The fire service confirmed that only one car, black Suzuki, was involved in the crash.

Barracks Road at the bottom of Bickershaw Lane was closed for nearly two hours following the crash.

The road reopened shortly before 8am.

Second crash on same road in 5 days

It comes just days after another dramatic crash on the same road.

On Sunday, October 6, a stolen Ford Fusion hit parked cars on Bickershaw Lane and landed on the roof of a garage at around 4.10am.

The driver fled the scene and left a male passenger in a life-threatening condition.

Firefighters from Hindley had to get onto the roof to stabilise the car and rescue the man.

He has suffered head injuries which were described as "potentially life-threatening" and was taken to Salford Royal Hospital for treatment.