A lorry driver killed in a horrific crash on the M2 has today been named as Richard Gosden.

The 57-year-old, from Herne Bay, died in a pile-up on the coast-bound carriageway last Wednesday evening.

An inquest into the death of Mr Gosden, of Eastgate Close, was opened and adjourned this morning.

Assistant coroner Allison Summers heard the cause of death was recorded as multiple injuries.

Mr Gosden was driving one of two HGVs involved in the smash with a car between J2 (A228 Strood) and J3 (A229 Chatham).

It happened at around 5.35pm and sparked traffic gridlock, with drivers caught up in long tailbacks while the carriageway was shut for around seven hours.

The crash involved a white DAF truck, white Volvo HGV and a blue Mercedes. A bronze Skoda Octavia was also involved.

Miraculously, a man and a woman in the Mercedes - left a mangled wreck - suffered only minor injuries.

Emergency services responded to the crash at the height of rush-hour traffic.

Around 15 firefighters were called to the scene - where two lanes of the carriageway were strewn with debris.

Did you know Richard Gosden? Leave your tributes below.

Traffic on the M2 after the fatal crash. Video: Andy James/photo3.co.uk