FIREFIGHTERS have once again been thwarted in an attempt to have a section of the M65 illuminated after two car crashes.

It comes as the Lancashire Telegraph has launched a campaign to have the motorway’s lights turned back on after a man was killed in a late night accident.

Crews from Accrington fire station were called to a crash on the westbound carriageway near Junction Six of the busy motorway on Friday night.

A Vauxhall Corsa had hit the central reservation, writing it off, and the female driver was checked over by paramedics.

While they were on the scene, another collision occured between two cars going past the accident site, but nobody was injured.

Acting crew manager Chris Archer said he had asked the Highways Agency to turn on the motorway lights while they dealt with the accidents, but the request was refused.

He said: “We asked for the lights to be switched on again but they said no.

“I will be raising this issue once more.”

The Lancashire Telegraph launched its Light Up The M65 campaign after Burnley-born Mark Burgess, 39, of Abbey Village, crashed into a barrier near Junction Eight late on a Saturday night.

Three other vehicles and an ambulance, which was transporting a patient from Nelson to Royal Blackburn Hospital, crashed into the debris, with drivers saying they could not see it due to the lack of lights.

An Oswaldtwistle councillor has also added his support to the campaign.

Coun Peter Britcliffe said: “I have always opposed reducing lighting on motorways and have warned of the dangers.”

To sign the petition calling for the lights to be switched back on, visit the website bit.ly/m65petition