A man driving the wrong way has been killed in a crash which has blocked the southbound M6 between Lancashire and Greater Manchester.
Lancashire Police said a Vauxhall Astra and a Toyota Corolla collided near Charnock Richard at about 21:30 GMT on Sunday.
National Highways North West said the M6 in Lancashire was closed southbound between J28 (Leyland) and J27 (Standish).
A police spokeswoman had urged people not speculate online about the crash.
The force said: “At 9:33pm last night we received a report of a car travelling the wrong direction on the southbound carriageway of the M6, near to Charnock Richard services.
“Minutes later, we received a report of a collision between a Vauxhall Astra and a Toyota Corolla near to Charnock Richard services on the southbound carriageway.
“Sadly, the driver of the Astra, a man in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and the passenger of the Corolla, both men in their 40s, were taken to hospital with serious injuries where they remain.
“An investigation is under way, and our officers are conducting enquiries at the scene.
“At this stage, we understand that the Vauxhall Astra was travelling in the wrong direction.”
Sgt Rebecca Price, of the force’s road policing unit said: “A man has sadly died in this collision, and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.
“Our investigation is very much in its early stages, and we are conducting a number of enquiries, some of which will require assistance from the public.
“We know that this collision has had a significant impact on traffic in the area, and we thank those of you who were stuck in the traffic or had your route delayed for your patience whilst we responded to the incident.
“This will understandably cause some discussion in the local community, but I want to take this time to ask that you please refrain from speculating online or otherwise and allow our team to carry out our investigation.
“Please remember that there are real people who have been affected by this collision who may see your comments online.
“I want to make a direct appeal to anyone who was travelling on the motorway, and may have witnessed, or have dashcam footage of the collision.
“We’re also keen to see any footage from Blackpool Road in Preston, at around 21:15, where we believe the Astra may have been involved in a damage only collision.
Two out of three lanes were also closed on the northbound carriageway.
Drivers were warned to expect delays currently 100 minutes above usual journey times.
