A 17-year-old girl has been killed and three other teenagers seriously injured in a motorway horror crash.
It was initially thought there had been a “serious collision” at junction 9 on the M65 near Burnley at around 3.40am.
Police though later confirmed only one vehicle, a Seat Ibiza, was involved while two other cars had stopped to help.
No further details of exactly what happened have so far been released.
Lancashire Police said the girl was a passenger and was pronounced dead in hospital.
The male driver, also 17, and two girls aged 17 and 19, were seriously injured and remain in hospital.
All the teenagers are from the Darwen area.
The motorway was closed for several hours but has since reopened and cops are continuing to appeal for witnesses.
Det Sgt Martin Wilcock, of the Road Policing Unit, said: “Very sadly a young girl has lost her life and three other young people have been very badly injured and my thoughts are with the loved ones of all of those involved.”
“Our investigation is ongoing into the circumstances, and I would appeal to anyone who either saw what happened or who has any dashcam or mobile footage to get in touch.”
MP for Burnley Oliver Ryan said: “My thoughts are first and foremost with the family and loved ones of the person who has lost their life. I’m truly sorry for your loss.
“My sincere best wishes for a quick recovery are with those injured, and they remain in my thoughts at this distressing time.
“Lastly, while this is an evolving situation, I would like to thank all our emergency services, responding to these incidents is never easy and I know you always do your utmost to keep us safe.”
National Highways said: “The M65 in Lancashire is closed in both directions between J8 (Hapton) and J10 (Burnley) due to a serious road traffic collision.
“Lancashire Police and emergency services are currently in attendance.”
Anyone who can help should call 101 quoting log 0123 of Wednesday, October 2 or you can email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at SCIU@lancashire.police.uk.
