The accident happened on the southbound carriageway near junction 34 at Meadowhall at 2230 BST on Saturday.

South Yorkshire Police said the crash involved a Toyota Carina and a Vauxhall Astra.

A force spokesman said the two occupants of the Carina were killed after their car apparently spun and was hit by the Astra.

Serious injury

The spokesman said: "Both vehicles were travelling southbound when it appears the Carina veered from the near-side to the off-side.

"It spun in the carriageway and was struck by the Astra."

Three people were taken to hospital following the accident and one is said to be in a serious condition.

Details of the dead and injured have not been released, and officers are appealing for witnesses.