Five people have been killed in a horror crash on the M6 motorway.
The collision, which involved a lorry and a car, happened on the southbound stretch of the motorway near Stoke-on-Trent at about 4.30am on Wednesday.
The driver of the car and four passengers died at the scene while another passenger, a man in his 40s, was critically injured.
The driver of the lorry was unhurt.
Staffordshire Police added that the motorway will be closed “for some considerable time”.
A spokesman said: “We are appealing for information following a fatal road traffic collision on the M6 in which five people have died and one person is critically injured.
"The collision, which occurred at around 4.30am this morning, involved a lorry and a car.
"It happened on the southbound stretch of the M6 between J15 (Stoke South) and J14 (Stafford North).
"As a result of the collision that stretch of the motorway is closed and will be for some considerable time.
"Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes and we thank you for your patience and understanding.
"A detailed investigation into the incident has begun.”
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman added: “When emergency services arrived they discovered a car with six occupants inside which had been involved in a significant collision with a HGV.
“Sadly, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the driver and four passengers. All five were confirmed dead on scene.
“The sixth occupant, a man in his 40s, suffered multiple serious injuries and received advanced trauma care by the team of medics at the scene.
“Once stabilised, the man was taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further care.
“The driver of the lorry, a man, was uninjured.”
Staffordshire Fire Service has reported "severe gridlock" following the incident.
Witnesses are asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 101, quoting incident 68 of May 24.
