A lorry driver has died in a horrific crash on the M2 last night.

Two HGVs and a car were involved in the smash on the coastbound carriageway between J2 (A228 Strood) and J3 (A229 Chatham).

Kent Police said a male lorry driver believed to be in his 50s and from Kent - named in tributes as Richard - died at the scene.

The crash happened at around 5.35pm and sparked traffic gridlock, with drivers caught up in long tailbacks while the carriageway was shut for around seven hours.

It involved a white DAF truck, white Volvo HGV and a blue Mercedes. A bronze Skoda Octavia was also involved.

Miraculously, a man and a woman in the Mercedes - left a mangled wreck - suffered only minor injuries.

Witness Andy James said: "It was unbelievable that the car driver got out uninjured - the car was a complete wreck."

Emergency services responded to the crash at the height of rush-hour traffic.

Around 15 firefighters were called to the scene - where two lanes of the carriageway were strewn with debris.

Paramedics from South East Coast Ambulance Service were also at the scene.

Witnesses reported an air ambulance hovering overhead, but said it did not land.

Police closed the road for around seven hours while the scene was cleared and a crash investigation launched.

It sparked long delays before the motorway was re-opened shortly before 2am.

Witnesses or anyone who saw the vehicles before the crash is asked to phone PC Robert Malins, at the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, on 01622 798538.

Traffic on the M2 after the fatal crash. Video: Andy James/photo3.co.uk