Police have warned motorists after footage circulated online following a road crash near Lancaster in which nine people were injured.
Drivers have been told that using their mobile phones to video the aftermath of Monday's four-car collision on the M6 was "incredibly dangerous and illegal".
A one-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl were among those injured after a BMW 4 Series collided with a Honda CR-V causing both cars to hit the central reservation barrier - and the Honda then collided with a Nissan X-Trail and the BMW collided with a Honda HR-V.
Inspector Steve Scott, from the Lancashire Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, issued a statement on Tuesday afternoon.
"Yesterday, at 10:27am, we received a report of a collision involving four vehicles on the M6 between junction 32 Brockholes and junction 33 Lancaster South.
"Our officers, and emergency service colleagues responded to the call, where nine people, including children, were injured.
"Whilst the emergency services were carrying out their duties: treating patients, ensuring the safety of those trapped in vehicles, and investigating the collision, a number of drivers on the northbound carriageway passed the scene, using their mobile phones to film as they were driving.
"Yesterday we saw footage shared on social media of the scene from a driver’s window, while our officers also observed another person filming out of the window, whilst driving a minibus full of children.
"We also witnessed an HGV driver doing the same thing and investigations are ongoing to identify these drivers. We were able to record at least five others doing the same thing.
"This is incredibly dangerous and illegal. Those caught by our officers or by cameras doing this yesterday, will be reported and dealt with appropriately.
"We know that being held up on the motorway can be frustrating. No one wants their journey extended or diverted, and sometimes a large emergency service response can draw a lot of attention.
"This is not an excuse to act illegally. Yesterday’s collision involved real people – someone’s mum, dad, or child. Whilst they were at their most vulnerable, some drivers selfishly chose to film for their own curiosity and entertainment.
Photo credit: Lancashire Police
"We want to take this time to remind you to drive with caution. If you think it is acceptable to drive in this manner, it is not.
"Slowing down to look at a collision, using your phones at the wheel, and driving without due care and attention is dangerous. It can cause further accidents and diverts the attention of the emergency services at the scene, whose priority needs to be helping those injured in the collision and investigating.
"Using a mobile phone whilst driving is one of the #Fatal5, along with travelling without a seatbelt, speeding, driving under the influence of drink or drugs and careless driving. Drivers committing one of the Fatal 5 are at a higher risk of causing or being involved in a fatal collision.
"If you spot someone driving dangerously, please report it to us. You can call 101, or, once you’re no longer behind the wheel, report online HERE."
On Tuesday morning, a police spokesperson said:
"Nine people were injured and eight of those remain in hospital, five with serious injuries, although thankfully none are thought to be life threatening.
"The driver and front seat passenger of the BMW, a man and woman both in their 30s, and a six-year-old girl who was a rear seat passenger suffered serious injuries. A one-year-old boy who was also a rear seat passenger suffered less serious injuries.
"The driver and front seat passenger from the Honda CR-V, a man and woman in their 80s, suffered relatively minor injuries.
"The driver of the Nissan X-Trial, a woman in her 30s, suffered minor injuries.
"The driver and front seat passenger of the Honda HR-V, a man and woman in their 60s, suffered serious injuries.
"The motorway was shut for a number of hours causing major disruption and delays to the surrounding road network. Following repairs the road is now fully open."
Police have appealed to anyone who saw the collision itself, or the BMW driving prior to the collision, or who has any dashcam footage, to get in touch with them on 101 quoting log 0430 of July 14th or you can email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at SCIU@lancashire.police.uk
Praise for Lancaster and Morecambe youngsters who took part in 'tongue movement' project
Clinic where students offer free legal advice to reopen at Lancaster University
Lines reopen after train derailment on Scotland-London line
Police arrest two and seize illegal bike in Morecambe
ITV commissions sixth series of Morecambe crime drama The Bay
E-bike shop moves from Lancaster to new Carnforth showroom
Lancaster workshop to tackle the issue of drink and needle spiking
Morecambe raw feeds shop up for three 'Animal Star' awards
Two new festivals proposed for Morecambe entertainment venue the Platform
Second day of disruption as work continues after train derails in Cumbria
Morecambe lifeboat crew’s swift response rescues swimmer ‘being swept dangerously out to sea’
'Street Meets' announced to answer your questions amid new wheelie bin roll-out
Campaign group welcomes new "life changing" bus service to Morecambe
Lancaster prison worker jailed for drug offences
Major disruption as train derails on West Coast Main Line
Talks begin for events to mark Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Lancaster music venue due to shut will now stay open "well into 2026"
Halloween What's On Guide
LISTEN: Launch of new group in Morecambe to help with gambling addiction
LISTEN: New centre for people with disabilities to open in historic Lancaster location
