A LORRY driver may hold key information about the 60-vehicle pile-up in fog on the A1, police said this afternoon.

The crash, near Boroughbridge, saw 25 people taken to hospital with various injuries. Nobody was killed.

It is also understood that one woman had a baby in hospital in Harrogate after being involved in the crash.

North Yorkshire Police spokesman Ron Johnson said: "Investigating officers are anxious to speak to the driver of a green-coloured skip wagon probably carrying bricks or rubble that was involved in the accident. It was possibly a Volvo or Scania and may well have damage to its rear lights. The driver did not stop at the time. It may be he is unaware he was hit, and carried on northbound.

"We are appealing to the driver to contact us, as we believe he can help with the investigation."

Yesterday's crash happened at about 6am and caused traffic chaos as people were heading off on the Easter holiday getaway. Drivers speeding through thick fog were blamed.

The two most seriously injured were a six-year-old girl with internal injuries and a 30-year-old man from Manchester, who suffered head injuries.

It also emerged today that three separate incidents formed the pile-up. About 1,000 people were stranded on the hard-shoulder, some of them for 11 hours.

Supt Steve Barlow said: "When you consider the large number of vehicles involved, it's quite miraculous only 25 people suffered injuries."

One motorist had an incredible escape when he was able to jump out of his car and run on to the embankment when he collided with the back of a lorry. Within seconds, his car was shunted heavily under the rear of the lorry by a Range Rover.

Much of the car, including the driver's area, was destroyed.

Motorist James Anderson told how the driver had recounted his lucky tale to him. "The front of his car was completely crushed," he said.

A beer wagon spilt hundreds of cans across the outside lane, while a van became completely stuck between two lorries. Another car was crushed against the central reservation barrier, yet miraculously, no one was killed.

The carriageway was not reopened until last night when emergency services had cleared the debris. The casualties were taken to Harrogate District Hospital and the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton.

Police said the skip lorry driver, or anyone who knows who he is, should ring the police on 01609 783131.

Updated: 12:49 Saturday, March 30, 2002