A man died in the crash which closed the A19 for more than 11 hours today.
Police have now revealed that the collision happened at around 12.45am today (Tuesday) and involved a green Polaris all-terrain vehicle with a trailer, a white Vauxhall Vivaro van, and a black VW Golf.
It is believed the Polaris had entered the southbound carriageway of the A19 from the direction of Thimbleby when the initial collision occurred with the Vivaro, which was heading south.
The Golf was on the northbound carriageway of the A19 when it became involved in the incident.
One of the two occupants in the Polaris sustained serious injuries and was pronounced dead after he was taken to hospital by ambulance. His family have been informed and being supported by specially trained officers.
The other occupant from the Polaris sustained injuries and received treatment at hospital. He has been arrested in connection with the investigation.
HGV driver sought
Both carriageways of the A19 remained closed until 12pm while the emergency services worked at the scene and to allow a full examination by the Major Collision Investigation Team.
Highways England managed the diversions throughout this time and ensured the road was safe to reopen.
Police are urging people to come forward with witness accounts and any dash camera footage from around the time of the incident.
In particular, it is believed a heavy goods vehicle may have been travelling on the south-bound carriageway not far behind the Vivaro. Officers need to speak to the driver as a potential key witness.
People with dash cameras or recording devices that may have captured the incident are asked to preserve the footage for the police to review.
Witnesses to the collision or anyone who recalls seeing any of the vehicles prior to the incident, are urged to contact North Yorkshire Police.
How to help the police
- Call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Marie Williams
- Email Marie Williams here
- Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the website
- Quote reference number 12210169569