Serious crash involving cars and lorry on M27

The M27 has now opened after a fatal crash yesterday morning.

The motorway was closed Eastbound for 20 hours after the collision just after 9am on Thursday (26 March).

Police haven't named the fatality as they work to establish their next of kin.

The Highways Agency said the motorway and slip-road were both open by 4am this morning (27 March). Drivers have been told that there should be no extra delay to their journey.

The Highways Agency has posted the following update on their website about the repair work to the M27 near Whiteley following this morning's accident.

Road users in Hampshire are being advised that the eastbound M27 between junctions 8 (Hedge End) and 10 (Fareham) is likely to be closed until tomorrow morning following this morning's crash.

The closure is required to remove vehicles from the carriageway and make essential repairs to both the carriageway and the central reservation. There will be a clearly signed diversion route from junction 8 via the A3024 and A27.

Police are working to identify the person killed in a terrible crash on the M27 this morning.

A car and a lorry collided just after 9am, on the east bound carriageway at junction 9. Some drivers were stuck for hours as the road was shut in both directions.

Now the Highways Agency says the carriageway will be closed until the early hours. Emma Wilkinson has the latest:

One person has died and several people have been injured in a crash on the M27 in Hampshire.

A lorry was engulfed in flames and at least three cars were involved in the collision between junctions eight and nine.

Many cars are still trapped in traffic, four and a half hours later. Emma Wilkinson reports:

Hampshire Police have confirmed that one person has died as a result of a crash on the M27 eastbound at Whiteley.

They say they were called at 9.15am to reports that several vehicles were involved in a collision on the eastbound carriageway near junction nine.

A lorry collided with a car, resulting in one fatality.

Ambulance crews are currently treating a total of seven casualties at the scene, who will shortly be taken to hospital. None of their injuries are described as life threatening.

At least three cars and a heavy goods vehicle are believed to be involved.

Hundreds of cars are trapped in traffic as the road is closed in both directions. The Highways Agency does not expect the road to reopen for most of the day.

A collision involving a lorry and three cars on the eastbound carriageway of the M27 at junction 9, Whiteley, has closed the M27 motorway.

The Highways Agency says the road will be closed until at least 4pm.

Eye-witnesses say a fierce fire followed the crash with the emergency services now trying to put the flames out.

Drivers caught in the jams have been posting pictures on social media and they show thick smoke over the carriageway.