The M6 northbound carriageway between junctions 35 and 36 remains closed after two lorry drivers were killed in an eight-vehicle collision this morning.

The Highways Agency said it was unlikely to reopen before 5pm.

The southbound carriageway of the M6 was closed temporarily to allow two air ambulances to land, but police said traffic is now able to move on this side of the motorway.

There are reports of queuing traffic on the A6 through Beetham, Milnthorpe and Warton as traffic is diverted from the motorway.

A spokesman for the Highways Agency said: "Drivers stuck between junction 35 and the incident are currently being turned around from the back of the queue and sent back down the carriageway towards junction 35.

"A diversion is in place from junction 35 with all drivers being urged to follow the 'solid black triangle' - taking them via the A601(M) onto the northbound A6 through Milnthorpe and onto the eastbound A590 for junction 36.

"Traffic along the diversion route is likely to be very heavy and drivers may wish to avoid the area and seek an alternative route or delay their journeys."

And drivers of high, curtain-sided lorries and any other vehicle over 16 feet in height were given alternative directions as the official diversion route is unsuitable for them.

After joining the official diversion route along the A601(M) and northbound A6, drivers of these 'Tautliner' type vehicles should leave the A6 and instead use the A6070 through Burton-in-Kendal up to the A65 - rejoining the motorway at junction 36 from the westbound A65. 

The accident, which happened between junctions 35 and 36 northbound at around 8.10am, involved eight vehicles - five HGVs, two cars and a van.

Police confirmed the drivers - one in a SPAR rigid heavy goods vehicle which was towing another trailer, and one driving a blue flat lorry, died at the scene.

The second driver is believed to be from the Southport area.

All the casualties involved in the collision have been taken to hospital via land or air ambulance.