A DRIVER was killed today in a crash which closed a main route into Blackburn for six hours.

The victim, believed to be a man, was at the wheel of a Renault Clio which burst into flames after it was in collision with a Citroen Picasso on the A677 Preston New Road at Samlesbury at about 2am.

Three other casualties were taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary and a fourth, who was described as seriously injured, to the Royal Preston Hospital.

A woman involved in the crash is believed to have suffered leg injuries, and two men were described as "able to walk from the scene."

Police closed the road and diverted traffic for six hours after the accident, which occurred near the KFC restaurant.

A fire brigade spokesman who was called to the scene said the Renault was being driven towards Blackburn when it was in collision with the Citroen, which was heading for Preston.

When fire crews arrived the Renault was on fire. The driver was dead on arrival at hospital.