A FATAL collision on the Pan Island Expressway on Thursday morning led to a traffic gridlock that lasted for about three hours.

The crash between a motorcycle and two cars happened during rush hour along a stretch of the expressway in the direction of Jurong, near the Bendemeer Road exit, said the police.

It is believed that a stalled car had led to the taxi behind it jam-braking to avoid a crash at about 8.30am. But a motorcycle then collided with the rear of the taxi.

The impact flung the rider, a 66-year-old man, off his machine. He suffered serious injuries and died on the spot. The other motorists - the two drivers and a taxi passenger - were unhurt.

Police are investigating the cause of the incident.