The M61 had been shut at Walton Summit due to a major crash.

Highways England advised motorists to seek alternative routes.

Update: A 12-year-old girl died in the crash on the M61

The crash involved multiple vehicles is between Junction 9, for the M65 and the M6 at Junction 30.

A spokesman for Highways England said: “Please plan ahead if travelling this evening.”

The northbound carriageway was closed with tailbacks to Junction 8 at Chorley.

The crash took place around 8.15pm on Saturday (26 January).

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they had three crews at the scene.

He said: “There’s four vehicles involved at the crash in Bamber Bridge.

“No-one is trapped but someone, we don’t know if they are male or female, was tended to by firefighters and police.

“Once the ambulance arrived they were taken to hospital.”

Crews from Chorley and Bamber Bridge attended the crash.

Traffic was being diverted off to the M65 westbound and eastbound.

The M61 reopened shortly before 4am on Sunday (27 January).

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