Driver crushed by sliding vehicle after lorry breaks down in freeze

The victim, who has not been named by South Yorkshire Police, had broken down on the M18 near Doncaster, and called for assistance from another tow truck.

A white Ford Transit van had also arrived to help and when a second heavy tow truck arrived, it parked in front of the Transit on the slip road at junction three.

But that lorry then slid backwards into the Transit, which in turn trapped the recovery truck driver against his own vehicle.

Officers said the dead man, a 53-year-old from Glasgow, died after he sustained multiple injuries.

Two other men also suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital, but later released.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to call a South Yorkshire Police helpline on 0114 220 2970.

Meanwhile West Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal crash on the M62 westbound carriageway near to junction 23 outside Huddersfield.

At 1.10pm on Monday a 53-year-old man from Huddersfield had parked a Nissan Note car on the hard shoulder and walked towards the carriageway, where he was hit by a HGV. He died from serious injuries in Huddersfield Royal Infirmary a short time later. The motorway was closed for six hours and diversions were put in place. Witnesses are asked to contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team on 01924 293047.

The deaths occurred as the AA and RAC reported record call-outs for any November in history.

Breakdown recovery workers are urging drivers to brake cautiously, and to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.