Police closed the M61 to the south of Preston due to a crash.

All lanes were shut southbound between Junction 9 (joining from the M6) and Junction 8 – involving a car hitting the central reservation.

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No traffic was being allowed to join the motorway from the M65 junctions in either direction.

The northbound carriageway remained clear – although it was closed briefly, twice, to allow the air ambulance to land.

The crash took place around 1.30pm on Wednesday (4 April).

The North West air ambulance attended the scene.

Four people were hurt in the collision.

The North West Ambulance Service said two people were taken to Royal Preston Hospital with major trauma related injuries.

One person was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital with reports of ‘altered sensation’.

Another person was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said they had sent crews from Bamber Bridge and Horwich to assist.

They said no one was trapped and there was no fire – but firefighters gave first aid to casualties and assisted emergency services.

Read more: Hoghton Lane closed after crash

All lanes reopened around 4.35pm but delays continue to build back to the M6 (Junction 31) and to Junction 3 on the M65. Delays are expected until around 7pm on Wednesday.