Two people have died and three men were injured in a horror motorway smash today.
The M6 in Cumbria remains closed after the crash and van fire - and is likely to remain so for hours, highways bosses have revealed.
Police said they were called to reports of a collision involving a van and a car.
In a statement, Cumbria Police said: "Two people who were in the car were pronounced deceased at the scene.
"A third person who was in the car, a man, in his forties, was taken to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle after suffering a number of injuries.
"Two men who were in the van did not suffer significant injuries. They were taken to the Cumberland Infirmary."
National Highways has issued an emergency alert to warn motorists heading towards the Lake District and Scotland.
The northbound carriageway is likely to remain closed 'beyond this evening's peak travel period', they said in a statement.
Traffic trapped is being turned around.
The collision - and subsequent lorry fire - was reported just before noon.
The northbound carriageway is currently closed from junction 39 at Shap to junction 40 at Penrith.
National Highways said a southbound stretch - towards Manchester - has only just reopened after the fire.
In a statement, National Highways said: "Drivers heading north along the M6 towards Cumbria and Scotland are being advised the northbound carriageway has been closed following a serious road traffic collision – and is likely to remain closed beyond this evening’s peak travel period."
They said Cumbria Police's investigation is likely to take 'several hours'.
"National Highways will then need to inspect the carriageway for any damage and carry out any repairs before the northbound carriageway can reopen," added the statement.
"A diversion is in place from junction 39 using the parallel A6 but drivers wishing to avoid congestion along the A6 should seek an alternative route or delay their journeys.
"Drivers are advised to check traffic conditions before setting out on journeys."
