M40 crash: Police comment on driver condition

Thames Valley Police was called to a crash in which a lorry overturned on the southbound carriageway at around noon between junctions nine and 10 near Bicester. 

The stretch of motorway has been closed in both directions throughout the evening with National Highways stating the road is not expected to reopen until 10pm. 

Thames Valley Air Ambulance landed at the scene to provide advanced critical care as a large recovery operation took place after damage to the central reservation. 

An update on the condition of the lorry driver has now been provided by Thames Valley Police. 

A spokeswoman for the force said: "At around 12.02pm, we received reports of a road traffic collision on the M40.

"Officers attended alongside South Central Ambulance Service and the victim was taken to hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries."

Traffic queuing on the M40 Traffic queuing on the M40 (Image: National Highways)

She added that the scene has now been handed over to Highways England by police. 

An eyewitness said: "I was right behind it when it happened. A HGV went straight through the central reservation and onto its side. I hope the driver is Ok."

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service warned motorists at lunchtime to avoid the area.

A statement from the fire service said: "Avoid the area if possible due to an accident involving a vehicle crossing the central reservation. All lanes have been closed."