A WOMAN has died and a man is fighting for his life after a car came off the motorway and crashed into a tree.

Emergency services were called to the M66 at 1.15pm yesterday.

Police say the car had left the motorway, and crashed into a tree.

An air ambulance was scrambled to the scene and the motorway closed to traffic throughout the afternoon and evening.

The air ambulance landed near Unsworth Academy in Bury.

Despite the best efforts of the medical teams a 33-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 31-year-old man also in the vehicle suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital where he remains in critical condition.

A number of closures were put in place while emergency services attended the scene - with the roads reopening at around 8.30pm last night.

The Bolton News:

(Pictures Danny Crompton)

PC Jody Oakley, from GMP's serious collision investigation unit, said: "Our thoughts are with the woman's family who are all understandably distressed and devastated following this collision.

"An investigation into this collision is on-going and anyone who may have seen anything, has any information or has dash cam footage is asked to contact us."