M40 traffic LIVE: Serious crash leaves motorway closed as two rushed to hospital
A "serious multi-vehicle collision" has brought the M40[1] to a standstill with drivers warned a stretch of the road will likely be closed "throughout the morning". The southbound lane between Warwick and Gaydon is shut this morning after a heavy-goods vehicle collided with two cars[2] last night. Two people are understood to be seriously injured.
They were taken to hospital[3] following the incident between junction 15 and junction 12.
10:11Zahra KhaliqDiversion details for those travelling northbound
Lane 3 is closed on the northbound carriageway between Junction 12 and Junction 13. Those heading towards London are being advised to use the M1 instead.
10:09Zahra Khaliq'Motorway will remain closed for some'
The motorway will remain closed for some time whilst the barriers are replaced and the road is resurfaced, National Highways said. An extensive recovery operation began overnight but the road remains closed as there has been significant damage to the central reservation barrier and road surface.
09:48Zahra KhaliqEmergency services raced to scene of collision
All emergency services including Warwickshire Police and fire crews raced to the scene of last night's crash.
National Highways Traffic Officers and maintenance contractors remain at the scene, where repair works are ongoing.
09:38Zahra KhaliqNo official diversion route for affected stretch of M40
There is no official diversion route for the affected section of the M40. Traffic is being diverted via local routes. Drivers are being asked to plan ahead and consider an alternate route if intending to use the M40 southbound.
09:27KEY EVENTHGV 'crossed carriageway' and smashed into two vehicles
The closure was sparked by a heavy-goods vehilce crossing the carriageway and smashing into two other vehicles, according to National Highways.
Its website states: "The incident involved a heavy goods vehicle which crossed from the northbound carriageway across to the southbound carriageway and subsequently collided with 2 other vehicles. This has caused significant damage to the central reservation barrier and will require emergency repairs."
09:25KEY EVENTTwo lanes closed northbound
As well as the southbound closure between junction 15 and junction 12, two lanes are also closed northbound. Drivers are being warned to expect severe delays and are advised to plan their route accordingly.
09:23KEY EVENTCentral reservation badly damaged in collision
The central reservation is said to have been badly damaged in last night's crash.
A full resurfacing of the road and a central reservation barrier replacement is now required before the road can re-open.
09:21KEY EVENTDrivers facing two-hour long queues during rush hour
Those travelling on or around the M40 southbound between J15 in Warwick and J12 in Gaydon, Warwickshire, are facing long queues this morning.
National Highways have warned to expect two-hour long delays between junction 15 and 16.
09:19KEY EVENTTwo people 'seriously injured' in horror crash
Two people are understood to be seriously injured and were taken to hospital following last night's horror crash.
The M40 remains closed between junction 15 and junction 12.
09:15Zahra KhaliqWhat section of the M40 is closed?
The M40 southbound between Warwick and Gaydon remains closed this morning after a heavy-goods vehicle collided into two cars last night.