M65 tragedy as one dead and five in hospital after horror crash

One person has been killed and five others hospitalised after a severe crash on the M65 motorway The collision, involving three vehicles at junction 9 for Burnley, occurred at approximately 3:37am. It is now shut in both directions between junction 8 for Hapton and junction 10 for Burnley, Lancashire.

The incident is causing significant delays for morning commuters, with diversions leading to congested local roads such as the A671 through Padiham and the A6068. Lancashire Police have warned that the closure is expected to last "for quite some time" and advised motorists via Twitter: "Please be advised that the M65 is currently closed in both directions from J8 to J10 due to a road traffic collision. We anticipate that the road will be closed for some time whilst we make sure the road is safe. We'll update you here once the road is open again."

National Highways also confirmed the closure and the presence of diversions, urging drivers to allow extra time for travel across Lancashire.

They reported: "The M65 in Lancashire is closed in both directions between J8 (Hapton) and J10 (Burnley) due to a serious road traffic collision. Lancashire Police and emergency services are currently in attendance."

Inrix, the traffic monitoring service, has reported severe disruptions: "M65 in both directions closed, long delays due to accident investigation work from J8 A56 (Accrington) to J10 A671 Cavalry Way (Burnley / Padiham). Congestion to along the A679 Accrington Road along the diversion route. Very busy on Barrowford Road through Higham and Padiham.", reports the Mirror.