Teenage boy dies in M6 van crash as his father fights for life in hospital

Traffic was halted on the M6 southbound and a closure remains in force Pic: Cath McIntyre Dowling/Preston Traffic and Travel

A teenager has died in a crash on the M6 between Lancaster and Garstang on Easter Sunday.

His father remains fighting for his life in hospital.

Lancashire Police remain on the scene of the crash which took place on the stretch close to university hill heading southbound between Junction 34 and Junction 33 on the M6.

A Peugeot van, driven by a man in his 30s, left the motorway and crashed into a tree.

The 14-year-old passenger suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene following the crash around 12.15pm on Easter Sunday (20 April).

His father suffered serious injuries and remains in hospital.

Sergeant Martin Wilcock of the serious collision investigation unit said: This collision has very sadly resulted in the death of a young man and left another man with serious injuries and my thoughts are with their loved ones.

“I would appeal to anyone who saw what happened, and who hasn’t yet spoken with police, or anyone with dashcam or mobile footage, to get in touch.

“I would also like to speak to anyone who saw the van in the moments before the collision.”

No other vehicles were involved and police and highways officers remain at the scene of the crash.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Six fire engines from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service attended a road traffic collision involving one vehicle on the M6 Southbound between Junction 33 and 34.

“Firefighters used smalls tools and a long board to extricate the casualties and worked to make the scene safe.

“Tragically one casualty died at the scene and our thoughts are with their loved ones at this time.”

The M6 southbound between Junction 34 and Junction 33 re-opened around 8pm on Sunday evening, with minor delays starting to clear.

Police had earlier closed the northbound carriageway to allow the air ambulance to land – but it re-opened around 3pm.

Diversion routes are in place via the A589 and A6 through Lancaster and down towards Garstang.

Anyone with information or who witnessed the crash is asked to call police on 101 quoting log 0503 of April 20th. The serious collision investigation unit can also be contacted on SCIU@lancashire.police.uk

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