Trevor Smith, 47, from Moorhouse Lane, suffered multiple injuries and had to be cut free from the wreckage by fire crews.

The accident happened on the A59 at Osbaldeston, near Preston, on a stretch of road known as Coroner's Corridor. It was the second fatal accident on the stretch of road in eight months.

A police spokesman says a Toyota car and an articulated lorry were involved in a collision at a junction.

The car spun out of control, hit a wall and then rebounded into the road. The articulated lorry then travelled into the path of Mr Smith's lorry, and both finished on their sides across the road and verge.

The other two drivers involved were later said to be comfortable in Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

Assistant Divisional Officer Dave Allan of Blackburn fire service says: "We have not seen anything like this accident for a long time.

"It was one of the worst I have attended."

Mr Smith, who worked for Earby-based Manson Timber, was married with an 11-year-old daughter.

Paul Robinson, manager at Manson Timber, says: "People here are very distressed about Trevor's death, and our feelings go out to his family.

"Trevor went off in the morning and you naturally expect him back. He was an excellent, hard working driver, very helpful and friendly."

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