The deaths followed a crash involving six vehicles.

A further eight people were injured in the accident which happened on the A6 at Rowsley, near Bakewell.

One car burst into flames after colliding head on with another vehicle.

A number of people were injured when they stopped to try to help. Two of them are said to be critically ill and are being treated in hospital in Chesterfield and Sheffield.

A police spokesman said two of the injured were in a critical condition in hospital with a further two casualties seriously injured.

The spokesman, who confirmed some of the casualties were struck by cars after getting out of their vehicles to help other victims, said six people received minor injuries.