West Yorkshire: A1 closed as lorry driver dies in second crash

Police have confirmed a male lorry driver died following the collision, which happened in the early hours between Barnsdale Bar and Wentbridge.

The A1 has been closed in both directions, causing traffic chaos in and around the Pontefract area.

Police say the road will remain closed but it is hoped it will be re-opened later this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the southbound section of the motorway at Darrington at about 3.55am following reports a lorry had jackknifed and collided with the central reservation, blocking lanes on both the southbound and northbound carriageways.

At 4.45am another call was received to say a second incident had taken place on the A1 northbound between Barnsdale Bar and Wentbridge, where three lorries had collided.

The male driver of one of the lorries was seriously injured and later died.

The A1 has been closed in both directions, causing traffic chaos in and around the Pontefract area.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Motorists are advised to avoid the A1 if possible and we ask drivers to remain patient while work the investigation continues.”

In Leeds, part of the M621 was closed this morning after a lorry caught fire.

Lanes one and two of the motorway between junctions five and six clockwise were initially shut following the incident at about 5.15am.

Fire crews from Hunslet and Morley were called to deal with the incident, which was sparked by an electrical fault in the cab.

They were there for about 45 minutes. Lane two eventually reopened but delays were expected.