AN investigation is in full swing today after two trainee maintenance men died as they attempted to warn traffic of roadworks.

The two men were working at the back of a truck parked on the verge on the A1 in North Yorkshire when they were hit by an articulated lorry just before 1am yesterday.

One man was killed instantly and the other was taken by ambulance to hospital, but died three hours later at the Friarage in Northallerton.

The victims, who have not been named but were said by police to be from Sunderland, were working for Traffic Management North-East, contracted to carry out resurfacing work on the A1 northbound at Kirkby Fleetham Lane End, between Catterick and Leeming.

The men were erecting signs to warn drivers of roadworks due to take place last night.

The Highways Agency said the work had been cancelled as a mark of respect.

Garry Mansell, sales manager for Traffic Management North-East, said both men were trainees.

He said both had reflective clothing and their truck had four reflective beacons to warn approaching traffic.

He said: "Our feelings are of total shock and sadness, and compassion for their families and their friends, and their work colleagues."

The driver of the lorry, who was unhurt, was questioned by police and then released on bail.

He is from Nuneaton in the West Midlands.

The northbound carriageway was closed for 12 hours as the wreckage was removed.

Motorists faced queues of up to three miles and were diverted through Northallerton and Darlington.