The driver of a truck that struck several other cars after over the central reservation of a motorway and landing on the carriageway across from it has passed away.
Five more people were hurt, two of them critically, in Wednesday’s 10-vehicle collision on the M6 in Lancashire, according to police.
The collision, which occurred at approximately 11:20 GMT between Junctions 33 near Lancaster and 32 near Preston, claimed the life of the HGV driver, a man in his 50s, according to Lancashire Police.
According to National Highways, the third lane of each carriageway was blocked for barrier repairs, leaving the other two lanes available for traffic.
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.
