Image: Wayne Rea

A truck driver has been killed following a horrific crash on the M1 at Cooranbong in the Lake Macquarie region.

Just before 1pm three trucks, including a fuel tanker, collided in the southbound lanes, resulting in a large explosion one kilometre south of Freemans Drive.

A fire broke out, destroying another car and sparking a 15-hectare bushfire.

RFS crews and waterbombing helicopters are fighting to bring the blaze under control.

The victim is a male truck driver, who is yet to be identified.

All lanes of the motorway were closed for several hours, with southbound lanes shut for around 16 hours as an extensive salvage operation took place.

Phil Clark from NSW Ambulance spoke with Chris Kenny, saying the driver of the ethanol tanker survived and was treated by paramedics.

Listen to the full update below

The Westpac #RescueHelicopter has been tasked to a reported tanker explosion on the #M1 at #Cooranbong. pic.twitter.com/Pl324XMaIZ

— Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (@WRHS_official) January 15, 2018