A TEENAGE girl has died in a major motorway collision.

Sana Patel, 13, from Blackburn, was travelling with her family when the incident occurred between Junction Six and Junction Eight on the M61 last night.

She was in a Nissan Qashqai which collided with a Vauxhall Corsa.

Police have confirmed that five other people, thought to be the girl's relatives, were injured in the collision.

Officers are searching for the driver and any passengers in the Corsa who are believed to have fled the scene on foot.

Emergency services were rushed to the scene of the incident around 10.20pm on Saturday night and the road remained closed in both directions until around 5am on Sunday morning.

Police have been conducting investigations at the scene throughout the night.

A spokesman for the girl's family said: "I would like to share very sad news.

"My mum, sister, brother-in-law, niece and two nephews were involved in a car accident on Saturday evening coming from Bolton.

"Sadly my niece passed away at the age of 13.

"The rest have sustained minor injuries and duas (prayers) are needed at this tough time."

Supt Andy Cribbin, of Lancashire Police, appealed to those who were in the Corsa at the time of the collision.

He asked the driver, and any passengers, to "search their conscience and do the right".

“First and foremost our thoughts are with the family and friends of the girl Sana," Supt Cribbin said.

"There are no words to describe what they will be going through and we send them our deepest condolences at this incredibly difficult time. They are currently being supported by specialist officers.

“Our investigation is in the early stages and we are working hard to establish exactly what occurred, and to locate the people who were in the Corsa.

“We are now appealing directly to them. We know the car is registered to an address in West Yorkshire and we are appealing for the driver and any passenger at the time of the collision to make contact with us as soon as possible."

Anyone who was at the scene or saw the Corsa in the moment before the crash is asked to get in touch with police on 101, quoting log 1817 of July 6.

The road has now reopened.