The westbound carriageway was closed for nine hours, between junctions 25 and 26, near Brighouse, after the crash involving a Volkswagen Golf, Toyota and a lorry on Thursday night.

A passenger in a VW Golf was declared dead at the scene. The driver is in a serious condition in hospital.

The four people in the Toyota were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and later today released on police bail. They were not hurt in the crash.

The westbound carriageway of the M62 was closed after the fatal accident between Junctions 26 Chain Bar and Junction 25 Brighouse.

Traffic was diverted away from the motorway following the accident at 11.39 pm last night and it remained shut until after 9 am today.

Tailbacks stretching more than eight miles built-up during this morning's rush hour and thousands of commuters were stuck for more than two hours.

A blue Volkswagen Golf and a Renault HGV were involved in the accident at 11.39pm between junctions 26 to 25 along the westbound carriage of the M62.

The male passenger of the Golf was pronounced dead at the scene.

The male driver of the car is being treated at Calderdale Royal Hospital. He is in a serious condition.

A white Toyota was also at the scene and police believe it may have been involved.

No one was injured but four men in the car have been arrested and are being spoken to by officers.

Firemen from Odsal and Cleckheaton were called to the scene as well as a major rescue unit from Cleckheaton.

Motorists face long delays on the roads and motorway during rush hour as the westbound carriage was closed.

Police said they were about to reopen the motorway at 9.15am.

Police are appealing for information from anyone driving past at the time to contact the Motorway Unit on 01924 292915 (Witness Appeal Line) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.