TWO people were taken to hospital today after a motorway crash which caused chaos for commuters.

The accident blocked the westbound carriageway of the M65 during the morning rush hour, causing a six-mile tailback.

A Vauxhall Cavalier car and white Ford Transit van were involved in the smash at 7.30am, which happened about half a mile before junction seven, the Clayton-le-Moors turn off.

A 28-year-old man from Nelson was trapped in the car for 45 minutes. Firefighters had to cut off the roof and side of the car to get him out.

The man, who has not been named, suffered a broken right arm and a broken right leg and was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

A second person involved in the crash suffered minor injuries and was also taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

Ambulance crews from Accrington and Burnley, along with an emergency doctor attended the scene. The air ambulance and a fire crew from Accrington were also called out.

The road was completely blocked until after 8.30am and traffic continued to move slowly until after nine.

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