A MAN has died following a head-on collision between a van and a 17-ton wagon on Monday morning.

The crash happened on a stretch of Burnley Road, Altham, which has been dubbed by some locals as "death road''.

Garry Murray, 29, of St Cuthbert Street, Burnley, died in the Royal Preston Hospital following the accident, which happened close to Martholme Grange.

Mr Murray, who was a passenger in a Vauxhall Astra estate, was airlifted to the hospital by the Lancashire Air Ambulance suffering from multiple injuries.

Car driver Michael Simpson, 36, was treated at Burnley General Hospital for injuries which were not serious.

The wagon driver, Howard Emmott, 47, from Rishton, was unhurt. The police closed the road for two hours while they carried out investigations into the crash.

Two days later, Simpson, 36, of Church Street, Hapton, was remanded in custody to await a hearing at Burnley Crown Court in seven days time when he appeared before Hyndburn magistrates.

He is accused of causing death by dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and without insurance and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

According to official figures, over the last six years there have been 37 accidents on the road, involving 58 casualties and one fatality.

Councillor Miles Parkinson, who represents Altham, said: "Unfortunately there are some drivers who do not observe the speed limit because this an open stretch of road. They cross the road markings because they are in a hurry, only to be confronted by a sudden bend, and this situation can lead to tragedy. However, the majority of accidents which have happened on this road in the past have been closer to the Walton Arms.''

On Wednesday, East Lancashire Coroner Mr Michael Singleton opened an inquest into the death of Mr Murray and adjourned it until 25 February.