Motorists warned that M65 is closed in both directions after a fatal road traffic collision.

Police anticipate that it will be closed while ensuring it is safe, and updates will be provided when it opens.

UPDATE: 17-year-old girl, from Darwen, killed in horror crash on M65

Drivers are being warned of delays and urged to plan ahead and use the A679 (Accrington Road), which is also experiencing delays due to the bottleneck.

Click here for live updates: Live updates as M65 closed after fatal collision

The M65 is one of the major cross-Lancashire Routes connecting Burnley and towns in the West including Blackburn, Accrington and Darwen.

The incident has been ongoing since 4am between J8 (A56) at Accrington to J10 A671 Cavalry Way in (Burnley/Padiham).

Routes along Barrowford Road through Higham and Padiham are also very busy. 

It was first reported at 3:07am this morning and police remain at the scene.

The 122 and 123 bus services along the M65 motorway will also be affected.

A statement from Pendle Police said: “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 quite some time whilst we make sure the road is safe.

“We’ll update you here once the road is open.”

A statement from Lancashire Police said: "At around 3:37am we were called to reports of a collision at Junction 9 of the M65 involving 3 vehicles.

"Emergency services attended and five people were taken to hospital with serious injuries, one person has very sadly died.

"Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this incredibly distressing time, and they are being supported by officers.

"The M65 is currently closed in both directions from J8 to J10 and we anticipate that the road will be closed for some time."