M40 fatal crash: Motorist died while stuck in traffic

The crash happened between junction 9 and 8A on Monday, March 24, when a grey BMW 340i driving southbound crashed into the northbound carriageway where the road bends near Shabbington. The crash claimed the life of 34-year-old Jan Szeder from Evesham and a 20-year-old man from Wisbech, who has not been named. Two other men were seriously injured in the crash.

All four men were in the same car, police previously said. Today (March 31), Thames Valley Police has revealed that a motorist died while stuck in the tailback caused by the serious crash. A spokesperson for the police force said: "A member of the public suffered a medical episode in the tailback caused by the collision on the M40 on Monday, March 24.

M40 traffic after the crash took place (Image: National Highways) "He received CPR from emergency services and members of the public at the scene but sadly passed away. "His next of kin is aware and a file has been passed to the coroner." It is believed at the time he suffered the medical episode he was within the stationary traffic queued behind the crash.

While the force has not released any details about the motorist, it is understood they were driving a lorry. The BMW involved in the crash, which closed the M40 for almost 20 hours, is believed to be stolen from the Oxfordshire area and two arrests have been made. A 22-year-old man from Southam, Warwickshire, and a 19-year-old man from Evesham, Worcestershire, have been arrested each on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and burglary.

Following the death of Mr Szeder, his family released a tribute on Friday, March 28. This said: "We are sad to announce the death of Jan Szeder on Monday, March 24 as a result of a road traffic[3] incident in Oxfordshire. "As a family we will miss him greatly and he leaves two children who he was devoted to and we wish to thank everyone for their kind words and sympathy at this difficult time.

"We would appreciate to be left alone to grieve in peace at this difficult time." There have been a series of fatal incidents on the roads across the county this month. On the same day as the M40 double fatality, a man in his 20s, who has not been named, died on the A34 near Abingdon shortly before 9pm.

A man in his 80s also died after his Ford Fiesta crashed into the Spiceball Leisure Centre in Banbury on Saturday, March 15.

References

1. ^ LIVE: Crash on road heading into Worcestershire town with police on scene (www.worcesternews.co.uk)
2. ^ Family of father-of-two who died in M40 crash releases tribute (www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk)
3. ^ traffic (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)