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Three killed in motorway pile-up Three killed in motorway pile-up
(10 minutes later)
Three people were killed and others injured when a lorry toppled over on top of a car on the M6.Three people were killed and others injured when a lorry toppled over on top of a car on the M6.
Several cars careered down the motorway embankment with the vehicle after the collision on the border of Greater Manchester and Lancashire.Several cars careered down the motorway embankment with the vehicle after the collision on the border of Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
The northbound carriageway between junctions 27 at Standish and 28 has now reopened after being closed for about eight hours after the crash. The northbound carriageway between junctions 27 at Standish and 28 has now reopened after being closed for about eight hours following the crash.
The three men killed were travelling in a Fiat Punto, Lancashire Police said.The three men killed were travelling in a Fiat Punto, Lancashire Police said.
Police have not yet named the victims but it is thought they are aged in their 40s and 50s.Police have not yet named the victims but it is thought they are aged in their 40s and 50s.
A Lancashire Constabulary spokeswoman said: "Four men were travelling in the car, three of whom were pronounced dead at the scene.A Lancashire Constabulary spokeswoman said: "Four men were travelling in the car, three of whom were pronounced dead at the scene.
"The lorry driver and the fourth victim in the Punto are currently in hospital and are not thought to have been badly injured.""The lorry driver and the fourth victim in the Punto are currently in hospital and are not thought to have been badly injured."
The accident closed the motorway northbound for a number of hours Several vehicles were damaged in the accident
Another person suffered serious injuries in the collision and was taken the Royal Preston Hospital.Another person suffered serious injuries in the collision and was taken the Royal Preston Hospital.
A further three people were given medical treatment by ambulance crews at the scene.A further three people were given medical treatment by ambulance crews at the scene.
The accident happened at about 0650 BST in the build-up to rush hour on the motorway.The accident happened at about 0650 BST in the build-up to rush hour on the motorway.
The lorry, which was carrying tonnes of animal feed pellets, overturned and shed its load, covering several cars and crushing the Punto.The lorry, which was carrying tonnes of animal feed pellets, overturned and shed its load, covering several cars and crushing the Punto.
A Ford Galaxy vehicle also suffered minor damage in the accident.
Long tailbacksLong tailbacks
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."
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 to piece together what happened.
Diversions directed traffic off the motorway at junction 26 at Orrell, causing long tailbacks and delays.Diversions directed traffic off the motorway at junction 26 at Orrell, causing long tailbacks and delays.
Motorists were advised to use the M61 instead of the M6 or to delay their journeys if possible.Motorists were advised to use the M61 instead of the M6 or to delay their journeys if possible.
The carriageway was reopened at about 1530 BST on Tuesday. The carriageway reopened at about 1530 BST on Tuesday.