A woman in her 30s has died in a motorway crash.
Police were called at about 12.45pm today to reports of a one-vehicle collision on the M61 near Bolton West Services.
A Kia Sportage car had left the southbound carriageway and overturned, a spokesman for Lancashire Police said.
The driver of the car, a woman in her 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The motorway was closed for more than four hours while accident investigators attended.
Sergeant Chris Evans said: "These are tragic circumstances and my thoughts are with the driver's family and friends at this very sad and difficult time.
"A woman has lost her life and we are keen to establish exactly what has happened.
"We would encourage any witnesses, or any drivers with dashcam footage which might show the incident, to come forward if you can assist our investigation."
Anyone with information can call 101 or email 802@lancashire.pnn.police.uk quoting log 0643 of June 28.
Police have now reopened the M61.
In a post on the Lancashire Police Facebook page, an officer said: "Further to our earlier posts, the M61 southbound has fully reopened following a serious road traffic collision close to Junction 8.
"Thank you for your patience."
