A lorry driver has been charged with death by dangerous driving as a "military hero" who died in a crash which closed the East lancs was named.
Emergency services were called to the East Lancashire Road , near Leigh, shortly before 10.30am on Tuesday to reports of a collision between two vehicles.
It is believed that while travelling on the carriageway, the lorry collided with a Toyota Corolla as it was turning right on to the A580.
Paramedics , fire crews and police officers arrived at the scene but the driver of the car died a short time later at the scene.
Police named the 58-year-old victim as Mark Byrne MBE.
And a spokesman for Greater Manchester Police confirmed the HGV driver Florin Solomon, a 28-year-old from Worcester has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
He added: "He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Bolton Crown Court on Wednesday, February 19."
Prosecutor Steve Woodman told Wigan and Leigh Magistrates at a first hearing on Wednesday that Mr Byrne had served in the military for 25 years - reports Wigan Today.
"A military hero by all accounts," he said.
Police said a 56-year-old woman who was a passenger in the car and sustained serious injuries in the crash remains in hospital.
The East Lancs was closed for a large part of the day and police praised the public's patience.
Anyone with information should contact GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting 890 21/01/20.
Alternatively, the independent charity – Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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