Man, 30s, killed in M61 crash was dead at scene of wreck for more than 24 hours before being discovered
A man was found dead inside a wrecked Audi more than 24 hours after it crashed down an embankment on the M61 near Preston.
The man, aged in his 30s and from Nelson, was discovered inside the car in the early hours of Monday morning, leading to a closure of the northbound M61 for around 10 hours yesterday.
Lancashire Police believe the fatal crash happened at around 10pm on Saturday, but passing motorists failed to spot the vehicle, which was out of view down a steep embankment close to junction 9 at Clayton Brook.
The wreck and the man’s body were sadly discovered more than 24 hours later, at around 2am on Monday.
Lancashire Police said the man was aged in his 30s and from Nelson.
The M61 was closed for 10 hours on Monday, while Lancashire Police investigated the tragic crash, before reopening the motorway at around 12pm.
Police statement
Lancashire Police are appealing for anyone with information or footage to get in touch.
A police spokesperson said: “We are appealing for information after a man died in a collision on the M61.
“It is believed the collision happened at about 10pm on Saturday (March 21) after an Audi A3 driving northbound on the M61 close to junction 9 lost control and collided with trees down a steep embankment before coming to rest out of view of the carriageway.
“The driver and sole occupant, a man in his 30s from Nelson, suffered serious injuries and died at the scene. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.
“Emergency services were contacted after the vehicle was discovered in the early hours of today (Monday, March 23).
“The motorway was closed for a number of hours while we dealt with the scene and carried out collision investigation work.
“The road reopened earlier this afternoon.”
Sgt Bex Price, of the Road Policing Unit, said: “This collision has very sadly resulted in a man losing his life and I would appeal to anyone who has any information or footage which may have captured this vehicle prior to the collision to get in touch.”
If you can help please call 101 quoting log 0074 of March 23.
You can also email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at [email protected]