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Three killed in motorway pile-up Three killed in motorway pile-up
(about 2 hours later)
Three people have been killed and four others hurt in a collision on the M6.Three people have been killed and four others hurt in a collision on the M6.
Several cars and a lorry careered down the motorway embankment on the border of Greater Manchester and Lancashire in the early hours.Several cars and a lorry careered down the motorway embankment on the border of Greater Manchester and Lancashire in the early hours.
The northbound carriageway between junctions 27 at Standish and 28 at Leyland are shut after the crash near Charnock Richard services.The northbound carriageway between junctions 27 at Standish and 28 at Leyland are shut after the crash near Charnock Richard services.
Officers said the carriageway will be shut for several hours and diversionary routes are in place.Officers said the carriageway will be shut for several hours and diversionary routes are in place.
Police said four other people have been taken to hospital with minor injuries.Police said four other people have been taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Those killed in the crash have not yet been identified.Those killed in the crash have not yet been identified.
The lorry, which was carrying tonnes of animal feed pellets, overturned and shed its load, covering several cars and crushing one.The lorry, which was carrying tonnes of animal feed pellets, overturned and shed its load, covering several cars and crushing one.
Long delaysLong delays
Dr Vic Calland, who was called out to the accident, said: "It was a very difficult situation. The main problem was scene safety - it was down a steep embankment.Dr Vic Calland, who was called out to the accident, said: "It was a very difficult situation. The main problem was scene safety - it was down a steep embankment.
"The fire service had secured the lorry with a couple of hand winch cables stretching right across the motorway to the central reservation.""The fire service had secured the lorry with a couple of hand winch cables stretching right across the motorway to the central reservation."
One of the vehicles damaged in the accident on the M6
Officers are at the hospitals talking to victims to try and piece together what happened.Officers are at the hospitals talking to victims to try and piece together what happened.
Diversions are directing traffic off the motorway at junction 26 at Orrell. This is causing long tailbacks and delays.Diversions are directing traffic off the motorway at junction 26 at Orrell. This is causing long tailbacks and delays.
Emergency services are working to clear the scene and police remain confident the carriageway will be reopened before rush hour this evening.Emergency services are working to clear the scene and police remain confident the carriageway will be reopened before rush hour this evening.
Motorists are advised to use the M61 instead of the M6 or to delay their journeys if possible.Motorists are advised to use the M61 instead of the M6 or to delay their journeys if possible.