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Five dead after motorway crash on M6 near Stoke

Aerial photographs show the shocking aftermath of the collision (Picture: SWNS)
Aerial photographs show the shocking aftermath of the collision (Picture: SWNS)

Five people have died after a lorry and a car collided on the M6 motorway.

Staffordshire Police have confirmed that the M6 southbound between Junction 15 and Junction 14 is closed while police investigate the ‘very serious collision’.

West Midlands Ambulance Service has confirmed that the car’s driver and four other occupants were killed after a ‘significant collision’.

Police have since confirmed that the driver of the lorry, who was not injured, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

A man in his 40s, who is believed to be the other occupant in the car, has been taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital after sustaining serious injuries.

The incident occurred shortly after 4am this morning (Picture: Highways England)
The incident occurred shortly after 4am this morning (Picture: Highways England)

In a statement, West Midlands Ambulance Service said: ‘When emergency services arrived they discovered a car with six occupants inside which had been involved in a significant collision with a HGV.

‘Sadly, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the driver and four passengers. All five were confirmed dead on scene.’

The incident occurred shortly after 4AM this morning (Picture: SWNS)
The incident occurred shortly after 4AM this morning (Picture: SWNS)
The incident occurred on the M6 in Stoke (Picture: SWNS)
The incident occurred on the M6 in Stoke (Picture: SWNS)

Highways England have confirmed that the motorway is likely to stay shut until this afternoon.

A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: ‘We are appealing for information following a fatal road traffic collision on the M6 in which five people have died and one person is critically injured.

‘The collision, which occurred at around 4.30am this morning, involved a lorry and a car.

The incident occured on the M6 (Picture: REX)
The incident occured on the M6 (Picture: REX)

‘It happened on the southbound stretch of the M6 between J15 (Stoke South) and J14 (Stafford North).

‘As a result of the collision that stretch of the motorway is closed and will be for some considerable time.

‘Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes and we thank you for your patience and understanding.

‘A detailed investigation into the incident has begun.’

‘Witnesses are asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 101, quoting incident 68 of May 24.’

More follows.