Witness appeal after fatal M1 smash

Wayne Milthorpe’s vehicle was also hit by a lorry once it came to a stop between junctions 35 and 35a.

The 46-year-old, from Barnsley, was pronounced dead at the northbound scene of the 1.40am smash and police appealed for witnesses.

A force spokesman said: “For reasons not yet known, it is believed Mr Milthorpe lost control of the black Ford Fiesta he was driving and collided with the nearside barrier.

“The car then came to a stop in the first lane of the motorway, where there was a further collision with a white Iveco LGV.”

The M1 was closed for several hours as road traffic officers began an investigation to ascertain the circumstances.

Insp Steve Askham said: “We believe there are a number of potential witnesses to this tragic incident and we are very keen to speak with them.

“CCTV footage shows a number of vehicles on the motorway around the time of the incident, who are very likely to have witnessed either the first collision, or the second one involving the LGV, and I would encourage them to please come forward with any information.”

The LGV driver was not injured. Anyone with useful information is urged to call 101, quoting incident 71 of July 12.