Lorry driver who died in crash at border named as ‘beloved husband and father'

A lorry driver who died in a serious cash on the M6 near the Scottish border has been named by police.

Emergency services closed the motorway between junction 44 and junction 45 for much of Thursday after reports of a collision near Gretna at around 6.42am.

Costica Balan, from Spalding in Lincolnshire, died at the scene. The 63-year-old was Romanian and had lived in the UK for 16 years.

The lorry driver’s family described him as a “beloved husband and father who will be dearly missed by everyone”.

Cumbria Police has urged those with information to contact them online via https://orlo.uk/6lpJo quoting log number 21 of 2 October 2025.

Witnesses can also call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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