A CAR driver died in a crash on a main road near New Mill today.

The Huddersfield man was killed when his hatchback car was in collision with an oil tanker on Penistone Road, at its junction with Marsh Lane, at 7am.

The road runs from the Sovereign crossroads above Shepley to New Mill and the tragedy happened near Snowgate Head.

The driver's side of the Peugeot 106 is thought to have taken the brunt of the impact. Both vehicles careered through a wall and down a small drop into a field.

The car driver, who was in his mid-20s, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

The driver of the articulated lorry was badly shocked, but unhurt.

Sgt Danny Groiser, of Huddersfield traffic police, said: "We are dealing with a serious collision which has resulted in one fatality.

"Both vehicles ended up off the road and the driver of the Peugeot was pronounced dead at the scene."

The road was closed for several hours while police investigations took place.

Fire crews from Skelmanthorpe, Holmfirth and Huddersfield were sent to the scene.

The driver was trapped in the wreckage, but had already died.

A major rescue unit was on its way from Cleckheaton fire station, but was turned back.

Skelmanthorpe Watch Manager Richard Meakin said: "The impact was on the driver's side and the lorry then jack-knifed.

"Both vehicles went through a wall about 25 yards away and ended up in a field.

"The tanker was carrying oil, but the load remained intact and was not spilled."

Police broke the tragic news to the driver's relatives.