A driver has been killed in a horrific crash on the M18 motorway that saw a lorry exploding into flames near Doncaster.
Emergency services rushed to the scene after reports that a lorry hit the central reservation.
Another motorist posted an image on social media of vast plumes of smoke coming from a "tanker" on the M18 and he said that the vehicle "blew up".
South Yorkshire Police said that a man thought to be in his 60s died at the scene after his lorry caught fire.
It stated: "Officers have been in attendance between Junction 2 and Junction 3 of the M18 near Doncaster this evening (Monday 15 August) at a collision in which a driver has sadly lost their life.
"We were called by a member of the public at about 5.10pm to report a lorry had collided with the central reservation. The lorry caught fire and the driver, a man believed to be aged in his 60s, sadly died at the scene.
"His family have been informed and are being supported by roads policing officers at this time.
"The scene remains in place at this time. Drivers travelling southbound will leave the carriageway at Junction 2 and come back on to the M18 at the other side of the junction.
"All drivers are being informed so they can plan their journeys accordingly at this time."
Eyewitness Dan Hadfield posted on Facebook after witnessing the dramatic moment. He said: "A tanker has just exploded in front of us on the M18. I literally watched it blow up. Utterly terrible here," reported YorkshireLive.
South Yorkshire Police and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service are both at the scene and have warned that the road will be closed overnight.
A spokesperson for the fire service said: "We currently have crews on scene dealing with a lorry fire on the M18 near junction 2.
"Avoid the area if you can and please be advised that the road is likely be closed overnight in both directions as we deal with this incident."
The M18 will also remain closed during Tuesday morning's rush hour said the Highways Agency.
It said: "The #M18 remains closed both ways within J2 near #Doncaster following a serious collision.
"The road will remain closed throughout the night and into the morning rush due to complex investigation work , recovery and barrier repairs. Please plan ahead as delays are expected...."
