Details of the other fatalities are not being released until relatives have been informed.

Chief Inspector Mick Butcher

Chief Inspector Mick Butcher, leading the investigation into the accident, said: "We have got two people arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving.

"It is a tragic incident for everyone and is the worst I have dealt with since I have been here."

Firefighters spent three hours at the scene and had to use cutting equipment to free some of the people trapped in the wreckage.

'Accident blackspot'

Three of the injured have been taken to hospital in Worksop and the three others to Rotherham General Hospital.

Local people described the junction where the smash took place as a notorious accident blackspot.

Newsagent John Palmer, whose business is nearby, said: "It's known as a very dangerous crossroads.

"There have been a number of fatal accidents there in the past but the death of six people in a single crash is certainly the worst. Everyone just feels numb."

He said the road narrows immediately after an S-bend and people have been unable to change lanes in time after overtaking on it.

Local campaign

And Susan Northridge, a receptionist at the nearby Red Lion Hotel, said: "It's horrifying to think so many people have been killed in one accident.

" We've been campaigning for improvements for years but nothing has been done - perhaps now someone will take notice."

She said the problem was that after the bend the road is split into three lanes. One is for turning left, one for turning right and one for going straight on.

"Unfortunately some drivers think the right lane is a fast lane and use it to speed along - sometimes with dangerous consequences.", she said.

A redesign of the system was needed, she said, suggesting that a roundabout might "make people slow down".

A police spokesman said anyone worried that their relatives may have been involved in the accident should contact 0114 2202020 ext 2902.