A MAN was killed when his car crashed out-of-control and overturned as he drove along the East Lancs Road at Leigh last night.

Geoffrey Darwell Fletcher, 67, of Crank Road, Billinge, was driving his Ford Mondeo car along the A580's westbound carriageway just after 7.15pm when it suddenly veered out of control and overturned.

Fire, police and ambulance crews arrived at the scene of the crash within minutes. Firefighters cut their way into the tangled remains of the car to reach Mr Fletcher.

He was freed, but paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

Firefighters used a tow truck to right the car following the accident -- which did not involve any other vehicles -- on the busy dual carriageway, half a mile from the Greyhound pub roundabout near the junction with Warrington Road.

The accident happened after the driver collided with the off-side kerb, smashed into the central barrier and then veered into the near-side kerb before the car flipped over.

He was formally identified early today. Leigh traffic police officers are still probing the circumstances of the crash.

Any witnesses to the accident are asked to contact the Wigan Police traffic unit on 0161 856 7073/72.