A lorry driver has been taken to hospital after a horror crash on the when his vehicle ploughed into the central reservation.

Police, paramedics and Highways officers near Preston, on the northbound carriageway between J31A for Longridge and J32 for the M55. The crash was first reported at around 1.10pm with a full closure put in place following a large diesel spillage affecting all the lanes of the carriageway.

Horror pictures have shown the aftermath of the collision with the lorry on the central reservation and severe delays built throughout the afternoon as emergency crews worked at the scene. There was also congestion on the M55 and 85-minute delays on the M61 northbound with drivers in the area told to find alternative routes.

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There have been miles of tailbacks for motorists stuck within the closure ahead of rush-hour on Monday, with a lane also closed on the southbound carriageway of the M6.

National Highways says the HGV struck the central reservation resulting in a 'large diesel spillage that is affecting all lanes of the carriageway' with motorists urged to find alternative routes where possible, reported the .

Lancashire Police confirmed the lorry driver, a man, was taken to hospital from the scene for treatment but further details have not yet been given about his condition, after the crash. "We received a report of an HGV colliding with the central reservation of the M6 between J31 and J32 at around 1pm today," a force spokesperson said.

"A man is receiving treatment. The Northbound carriageway, and two lanes of the southbound carriageway are closed." In an updated statement, National Highways told of severe delays with stationary traffic going back more than three miles.

It said: "There's now SEVERE delays and approx 3.5 miles of stationary traffic approaching the closure of the M6 northbound in Lancashire between J31 & J32 near Preston. Southbound there's also a 90 min delay and 8 miles of congestion due to the lane closure. Consider alternate routes."