One person has died, and several others are seriously injured, after a collision on the M6 this morning.

Police were called at 11.20am to reports of a serious collision on the motorway close to junction 33, between Lancaster and Preston.

The motorway was shut in both directions with tailbacks stretching for miles.

The incident involved a HGV travelling northbound which had crossed onto the southbound carriageway, colliding with several other vehicles.

National Highways confirmed the vehicle crashed into the central reservation and subsequently overturned and rested on its side on the opposite carriageway.

Emergency services, including an air ambulance, attended the scene where they remain currently, as of 4.20pm on Wednesday, November 6.

Fire services also confirmed they were in attendance and the closure between junctions 32 and 33 remains in place for a considerable time while they deal with the incident.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: “We were called at about 11.20am today 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.

“Very sadly the collision has resulted in one fatality and a number of other serious injuries. Our thoughts are with all those affected at this time.

“Emergency services remain at the scene and the motorway remains closed in both directions between junctions 32 and 33 while we continue to deal with the incident.

"The closure is likely to stay in place for some considerable time so please check before you travel as diversions are in place."

Anyone who witnessed the collision or who has any information is asked to call police on 101 quoting log 0564 of November 6.

People can also email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at SCIU@lancashire.police.uk

Diversion routes are in place for those on the M6.

Road users travelling southbound are advised to follow the Hollow Triangle diversion route:

  • Exit the M6 at J33 (Lancaster South)
  • At the roundabout take the first exit at A6 Garstang, Blackpool, Fleetwood
  • Follow the A6 southbound through Garstang, Bilsborrow, Barton,
  • Broughton to M55 J1 (Broughton)
  • Take the first roundabout exit for Birmingham M6
  • Follow the M55 to re-join the M6 J32, heading south towards Birmingham

Road users travelling northbound are advised to follow the Solid Triangle diversion route:

  • Exit the M6 at J32 onto the M55
  • Follow the M55 to J1
  • Exit the J1 and take the third exit on to the A6
  • Follow the A6 through Broughton, Barton, Bilsborrow and Garstang 
  • Re-join the M6 at J33 to continue north.  

If this closure impacts your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.