THE driver of the HGV which caught on fire on the M62 at the Croft Interchange has died confirmed police as they search for witnesses.

Information just revealed by Cheshire Police state that the incident was a crash between two HGVs on the M62 at the Croft interchange at 4.37am this morning Tuesday, January 31.

Police were called to the collision at junction 10.

One of the vehicles was on fire, and one of the drivers died at the scene.

The second driver is believed to be uninjured and helping police with enquiries.

The carriageway is closed and it is advised to avoid the area as the closure is impacting on nearby roads.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage should contact Cheshire Police on 101 or via the website quoting IML 1468300.

This is unconnected to an earlier incident which has been widely reported on between J7 (St Helens) and J8 (Burtonwood) where images of a burnt out HGV have been pictured.

National Highways NW has released the following update: "We’ve had two separate and unconnected serious incidents along the eastbound M62 both resulting in fires.

"Resurfacing for the first incident is underway [the lorry fire on Monday evening]; a police investigation at the second incident is still ongoing [Croft Interchange], but again resurfacing is likely to be needed. 

"Both sections of the carriageway are likely to be closed into mid-afternoon. Both incidents also involve barrier repairs. The key message is to avoid the eastbound M62 before junction 10 at Croft Interchange with the M6 if at all possible and take alternative motorway routes or delay travelling.

"Drivers are advised to check traffic conditions before setting out on journeys. Live traffic information is always available at www.trafficengland.com or from National Highways’ 24-7 customer contact centre at 0300 123 5000."

The spokesperson confirmed that 65 metres of resurfacing is required on the carriageways affected by last night's lorry fire.