M5: Lorry driver, 35, dies and several injured after crash on motorway near Worcester
A 35-year-old lorry driver from Weston-Super-Mare has died following a crash on the M5 this morning.
The collision happened just before 4.30am between junction 8 (M50) and junction 7 (Worcester) and involved four lorries.
A 57-year-old man has been taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and a number of people have been injured.
It was the second of two crashes, after an initial collision happened at around 3am on the northbound carriageway today (3 August) between junctions 8 and 7.
The motorway was closed between these junctions and the crash was cleared.
The second collision, between the same junctions, resulted in a "substantial diesel spillage" across three lanes of the motorway.
The M5 northbound is now closed between junctions 9 (Tewkesbury) and 6 (Droitwich) and is not expected to reopen fully until this evening.
Two ambulances, three paramedics, a hazardous area response team and a MERIT trauma doctor all rushed to these scene.
West Midlands Ambulance Service has now confirmed that a driver of one of the lorries suffered fatal injuries.
A spokesperson said: "On arrival we discovered a lorry driver who had suffered serious injuries in the collision."
"Sadly, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save them and they were confirmed dead at the scene."
Inspector Darren Godsall said: "This was an horrendous collision which led to a man losing his life and a number of other people being injured, as well as causing serious traffic disruption for many others."Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died, and all those affected by the incident."We would like to thank drivers for their patience during the day but advise that they continue to find alternative routes for their journeys."
A second lorry driver had to be cut free from his vehicle and was then taken to hospital.
The spokesperson added: "Ambulance crews worked closely with fire and police colleagues to carefully cut a second lorry driver, a man, free from his vehicle, a process which took approximately 90 minutes.
"Following treatment at the scene for potentially serious injuries, he was transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham for further treatment."
The crash followed an earlier collision, with three ambulances and two paramedic officers were called to the northbound carriageway between J8 and J7 at 2:50am.
A car and a lorry were involved in the crash, with six people injured as a result.
A WMAS spokesperson said: "On arrival we discovered six patients from the car.
"A man, who was a rear seat passenger, was treated for potentially serious injuries and taken to Worcester Royal Hospital.
"The driver and a second rear seat passenger, both men, were treated for injuries not believed to be serious before being taken to Hereford County Hospital on the same ambulance.
"Three further patients were discharged at the scene."
Road closures will remain place on the M5 for some time and drivers are advised to find alternative routes.
Diversion routes
For road users wishing to continue on the M5 northbound follow the route marked with a hollow triangle symbol on road signs:
At J9 roundabout take the third exit from the roundabout on to the A46 eastbound
Remain on the A46 to the double roundabout with the A4184/A44
Take the first exit on to the A4184 and at the second roundabout take the first exit on to the A44
Follow the A44 to the roundabout with the A4538
Take the second exit from the roundabout on to the A4538
Continue on the A4538 to J6 of the M5
Take the fifth exit on to the M5 northbound