A DEADLY crash between two lorries and three cars has caused rush hour chaos after it closed part of a motorway in both directions.
The devastating collision yesterday morning closed both carriageways of a section of the M6 in Lancashire.
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A lorry overturned in the collision which police say involved a total of ten vehicles.
Lancashire Police said: “We were called at about 11.20am today (Wednesday) to reports of a serious collision on the motorway close to junction 33.
“The collision involved an HGV travelling northbound which crossed onto the southbound carriageway and collided with a number of other vehicles.
“Sadly, the driver of the HGV, a man in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The lorry driver tragically died in the incident which also left two people suffering serious injuries.
Supt Hassan Khan, of Lancashire Constabulary’s Operations Dept, added: “My thoughts first and foremost are with the loved ones of the driver who sadly died and with all those affected by this tragic incident.
“Our investigation into what caused this collision is ongoing.
“Work is still ongoing to repair the road so I would urge people to avoid the area if they can or check before you travel.
“I appreciate the delays are frustrating, but safety work needs to be completed before the road can open again.
“I would ask anyone who witnessed the collision, and who has not yet spoken to police, to get in touch.”
Police added that two people, a man in his 40s who was driving a Ford Transit, and a woman in her 40s driving a Suzuki Swift, also suffered serious injuries.
Three others also suffered minor injuries in the incident.
While the southbound route remains closed for a second day, the northbound carriageway re-opened this morning at 4am.
One lane of the northbound route still remains closed for emergency central reservation barrier repairs.
The southbound carriageway is expected to remain shut throughout today.
National Highways said: “The M6 in Lancashire remains closed southbound between J33 near Lancaster and J32 near Preston following a serious collision involving a heavy goods vehicle which occurred shortly before 11:30 yesterday morning.
“The heavy goods vehicle collided with the central reservation barrier, overturned and came to rest on its side on the northbound carriageway.
“Lancashire Police collision investigation has been completed.
Diversion route
NATIONAL Highways is advising motorists to follow this diversion route, using the ‘hollow diamond’ symbol:
- Exit the M6 at J33
- At the roundabout take the first exit at A6 (Garstang, Blackpool, Fleetwood)
- Follow the A6 southbound to M55 J1 (Broughton)
- Take the first roundabout exit
- Follow the M55 to rejoin the M6 at J32
“Complex recovery, clear up works and barrier repairs continue at the scene.
“The northbound carriageway was also closed, however a lane 3 closure is in place.”
It added: “The M6 in Lancashire remains closed southbound between J33 (Garstang) and J32 (M55, for Blackpool).
“This is to allow for emergency resurfacing works to take place following a serious collision which occurred yesterday.
“The collision involved a lorry which overturned and crossed through the central reservation barrier.
“As a result of its fuel tank rupturing, a significant fuel spillage covered the road surface which is now being resurfaced as it was damaged beyond repair.”
National Highways also advised that works are ongoing “throughout the day” on the stretch of motorway and that there are “very long delays” on approach to the southbound closure.
A diversion route has been put in place.
The agency added: “If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Further information on the incident can be accessed via the National Highways website, on travel apps, or on the agency’s regional X feeds.
Its 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.
