Lorry driver killed and five injured in M6 crash

A lorry crossed the central reservation and ended up on the opposite carriageway of the M6

The driver of a lorry which crossed a motorway's central reservation before landing on the carriageway opposite, hitting a number of other vehicles, has died.

Police said five other people caught up in the 10-vehicle crash on the M6 in Lancashire on Wednesday had been injured, two of whom seriously.

Lancashire Police said the HGV driver, a man in his 50s, died at the scene of the crash, which happened at about 11:20 GMT between Junctions 33 near Lancaster and 32 near Preston.

National Highways said both carriageways were open for two lanes of traffic with the third lane of each closed for barrier repairs.

Police said the HGV, which had been travelling northbound, crossed on to the southbound carriageway and collided with a number of other vehicles.

The driver of a Ford Transit, a man in his 40s, was seriously injured in the incident, as was a woman in her 40s who had been driving a Suzuki Swift.

An investigation into the incident continues, police said.

Supt Hassan Khan said his thoughts were primarily with the loved ones of the driver who died, as well as "all those affected by this tragic incident".

He added: "I would ask anyone who witnessed the collision, and who has not yet spoken to police, to get in touch.

"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."

Drivers are warned to expect heavier than usual traffic due to the lane closures that remain in place.