M27 crash: police confirm man died in serious collision
Police say they were called after a black BMW 330E collided with a white Ford Fiesta and the central reservation barrier at around 1.15pm.
The BMW then left the road and hit the nearside verge between junction 2 and 3 on the westbound carriageway, according to police.
A spokesperson for the force said that ‘despite the best efforts of emergency services and members of the public who stopped to help, the driver, a 35-year-old man from Bradford, was pronounced dead’.
His family have been made aware and are being supported by specialist police officers, the force confirmed.
In the wake of the incident, police have now launched an appeal for witnesses – asking ‘anyone with information about the collision who has not already spoken to police to come forward’.
The spokesperson said: “Were you in the area at the time? Perhaps you saw a black BMW or white Fiesta on the M27 shortly before 1.15pm?
“We would particularly like to speak to anyone with relevant dash cam footage.”
People can report information online via the police website or call 101 quoting reference number 44230323927 or Operation Brae.
The collision saw the M27 shut between junctions 2 and three for several hours while officers carried out their investigation at the scene.
It was confirmed at around 7.30pm yesterday that the road had reopened.
Delays were being reported as far north as Romsey, with Eastleigh[2] also affected.
In Southampton[3], queues stretched back to Westquay Shopping Centre, while traffic was heavy in Bassett Avenue and Winchester Road.
“We would like to thank all those diverted or inconvenienced by this for their patience and co-operation”, the spokesperson added.
Since news of the man’s death broke, the community has shared their condolences on social media.
On the Echo’s Facebook page, Lorayne Emery said: “So very very sad. Condolences to his family and friends and thanks to our emergency services for their efforts.”
Abigail Shoebridge added: “R.I.P. young man. Thinking of his family and friends.”
References
- ^ M27 westbound: What we know about serious crash (www.dailyecho.co.uk)
- ^ Eastleigh (www.dailyecho.co.uk)
- ^ Southampton (www.dailyecho.co.uk)