Hundreds of motorists have spent the night trapped inside their cars on the Logan Motorway after a fatal crash.

A 33-year-old man got out of his car at Heathwood to inspect damage after he collided with a guardrail.

Two other vehicles then collided as they tried to avoid him but he was fatally struck.

It resulted in authorities closing all eastbound lanes for seven hours until 5.30am, leaving motorists stranded with no way to take detours.

Jamie Maclean told Jess Millward, filling in for Sofie Formica, she is running on just two hours’ sleep after spending the night on the motorway.

“We didn’t see any emergency services or traffic control; it was just us,” she said, adding that

“There was one 32-wheel semi-trailer guy, he was lovely, he jumped out and had about 10 of us … trying to keep each other warm.

“It was nice to see Australians just helping each other out, like the tradies looking after the girls.

“It was nice to have that sort of spirit on the Logan Motorway as best we all could.”

Press PLAY below to hear Ms Mclean’s account of her night on the motorway

4BC traffic reporter Rhys Messenger was among those stuck in the traffic with his partner and dogs.

He said he saw a lot of fed-up comments on social media, but said it was important to remember that someone had passed away.

Press PLAY below to hear his account on Brisbane Live

A trapped family earlier told 9News the ordeal had been “hell” due to cold temperatures, no food or water and no toilet facilities during the ordeal.

“It’s been pretty crazy,” Annette Jones said. “We’ve been stuck since about 9.45, actually.”

Press PLAY below to hear Jess Millward’s early report  

Image: 9News