The collision involved four cars and two lorries and several other people were injured, including two who were taken to hospital
Three people have been confirmed dead after a lorry exploded into a ball of flames on the A1(M) near Durham yesterday.
The multi-vehicle crash happened at 6.20pm on Thursday on the northbound carriageway of the road at Bowburn.
Durham Police said the victims were the male driver of a Toyota Hilux and a man and woman who were in a Vauxhall Crossland.
The collision involved four cars and two lorries and several other people were injured, including two who were taken to hospital.
A 41-year-old man – the driver of one of the lorries – has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in police custody.
A major investigation is now under way and the motorway remains closed in both directions between Bradbury and Carrville.
Last night Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service rushed to the scene to assist County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service crews to extinguish the flames.
Police say formal identification is expected to take some time but that their families have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers
