A MAN died in a motorway crash which caused traffic chaos yesterday.

Both sides of the A1M, between Newton Aycliffe and Sedgefield, County Durham, were closed for several hours after a car hit a lorry, killing the car passenger.

The accident happened near the Bradbury interchange at about 4.35am, forcing the closure of the northbound carriageway until 11am while police examined the scene, with traffic diverted to side roads.

The two vehicles were travelling north when it is believed the Ford Focus went into the rear of the heavy goods vehicle, before flipping over onto its roof a few hundred yards south of the exit slip road.

Debris from the smash showered the opposite carriageway, hitting a BMW travelling south. The driver of the BMW, from the West Midlands, was unhurt and the car had minor damage.

The 22-year-old driver of the Ford Focus, from Tyneside, was taken by ambulance to Darlington Memorial Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries and shock. The lorry driver, a 35-year-old man from north-west Durham, was taken to the same hospital where he was treated for whiplash and shock. Both went home after treatment.

The passenger in the car, a 28-year-old man from Merseyside, was pronounced dead at the scene and had to be cut free from the mangled wreckage by firefighters.

His name is being withheld until relatives have been informed.

One passing motorist said: "The car was a real mess. It looked like the roof had been completely flattened.

"I am surprised that anyone managed to get out of it alive.

"It is a real tragedy. It did not look as though there had been any sign of skid marks on the road, so heaven knows how it happened."

Specialists from Durham Police accident investigation unit are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash can contact the unit on 0191-375 2159.