Man found dead in car 28 hours after crashing down embankment off M61
A man was found dead inside a car 28 hours after crashing down a steep embankment off the side of the M61. The driver, aged in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene after police uncovered the vehicle in the early hours of Monday (March 23).However it is thought he had 'lost control' of the Audi A3 at around 10pm on Saturday (March 21) - some 28 hours earlier - and smashed into trees down the embankment where the car then came to rest out of view from the carriageway.Officers from Lancashire Police were not alerted to the scene until around 2am on Monday, on the northbound carriageway at junction nine. They later found the car and inside a man, from Nelson in Lancashire, who had suffered serious injuries and sadly died.Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. And don't miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.The motorway remained closed throughout Monday while collision investigation work was carried out. It caused significant traffic throughout the morning, with diversions put in place and re-opened later in the afternoon after the vehicle was recovered.Emergency services remained at the scene throughout the day including paramedics, fire crews and police along with National Highways traffic officers who managed the closure.Lancashire Police are supporting the family of the man involved and say their 'thoughts are with his loved ones'. The incident is being investigated by the force's serious collision unit, with witnesses now being urged to get in touch.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 call 101 quoting log 0074 of March 23rd. You can also email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at SCIU@lancashire.police.uk
