Lorry driver killed on M6 as police release more details of horror crash

The driver of a lorry which overturned on the M6 has tragically died and two others are seriously injured. Police confirmed yesterday (November 6) that one motorist had been killed in the crash, in Lancashire.

In an update issued this morning (Thursday), Lancashire Police has confirmed the lorry driver - a man in his 50s - was pronounced dead at the scene. A Ford Transit driver, a man in his 40s, and a woman in her 40s who was driving a Suzuki Swift were also seriously injured.

Emergency services were called out to reports of a serious crash on the M6 near junction 33 at around 11.20am yesterday. Police say a lorry which was travelling northbound crossed onto the southbound carriageway and collided with a number of other vehicles.

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Ten vehicles were involved in total. Three other people suffered 'more minor injuries', Lancashire Police says. The southbound M6 remains fully closed between junctions 33 and 32 in north Lancashire and will remain shut all day (Thursday), travel services have warned. A diversion is in place along the A6 - follow our dedicated travel blog here.

The northbound M6 has reopened, with one lane closed for repairs to the central reservation. Witnesses are being urged to come forward as police continue their investigation.

Superintendent Hassan Khan, of Lancashire Constabulary’s Operations Department, said: “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.” Information can be passed on to police by calling 101 or emailing SCIU@lancashire.police.uk, quoting log 0564 of November 6.

A National Highways spokesperson said: "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.

"Lane three (of three) is also closed on the northbound carriageway as emergency barrier repairs are also taking place in the central reservation. These works will be ongoing throughout the day. There are very long delays on approach to the southbound closure."