A teenager from Pontville School in Ormskirk was one of two people killed today in a serious RTA on the M58 at Bickerstaffe.

A police officer and two PCSO's were seen at the Blackmoss Lane school this afternoon seven hours after the original accident that's seen the busy motorway shut for most of the day and into the early evening.

The latest police PR reads: 'We were called at about 9am this morning to reports of a serious collision on the M58 motorway.

It happened between junctions 3 and 4 Westbound, and involved an HGV, a minibus and a number of other vehicles.

Very sadly as a result of the collision two people, a woman and a 14 year old boy, suffered injuries which proved fatal. No further details can be released at this time as we are contacting next of kin.

A number of other people also suffered serious injuries and are being treated at hospital.

The driver of the HGV, a 31 year old man from Chorley, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He is currently in custody.

Shortly after the initial collision a second collision took place involving an HGV, a van and a car. As a result of this collision a woman also suffered serious injuries; two men were also seriously injured.

We are working closely with partner agencies and the motorway remains closed in both directions for accident investigations, with diversions in place.

Our thoughts are with all of those affected by today’s tragic incidents; anyone who is concerned that someone they know may have been involved and who needs to speak to police should call 101 quoting log number 0523 of today (Tuesday, January 8th)

Anyone with information about either collision should call 101 quoting log number 275 of today (Tuesday, January 8th).'

The NWAA landed to collect some casualties; one theory is that the wagon driver's attention was diverted by a minor RTA on the opposite carriageway - moments later it seems he ploughed into motorway traffic waiting to exit at junction 3 for Ormskirk and Southport.

Pupils are taxi'd to Pontville School - part of the Witherslack Group - from all over Lancashire arriving for around 9am each morning, five days a week. A local man who was on the M58 bridge at around 3.30pm this afternoon said the taxi involved in the crash was unrecognisable after the smash. A private ambulance from Hunters funeral service of Burscough St., Ormskirk was on standby to collect the dead bodies.

The M58 was re-opened for around 6pm; traffic has been heavier than usual there over the last few weeks after Highways Agency roadworks saw the closure of the part of the hard shoulder at exit 3.