POLICE have released an update on the condition of a man hospitalised following a major collision on the M6 in Cumbria.

The M6 in both directions was closed for several hours between junctions 35 and 36 on Sunday (October 15) following a serious collision between a Ford Mondeo and a white van. Both the driver and passenger of the white van were taken to Preston Hospital for treatment following the incident.

One man was released the same day with minor injuries. The other remains there with serious injuries but was today (Wednesday October 18) said to be in a stable condition.

One man died following the collision and police are still awaiting formal identification.

It is thought the incident happened after one of the vehicles attempted to travel in the wrong direction on the northbound carriageway between junction 35 at Carnforth and junction 36 at Kirkby Lonsdale.

Police, paramedics and air ambulance crews attended the scene to treat those involved.

Miles of tailbacks stretched to junction 34 on the northbound carriageway and lengthy diversions were put in place while a collision investigation took place.