The fatal collision happened just after 10.40pm on Monday night near Oxford, with police shutting off both lanes of the M40 between Junction 9 (Bicester) and Junction 8 (Tiddington)
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M40 closed following traffic collision close to Bicester
A major motorway has been closed and is expected to remain shut until this afternoon after a horror crash that killed two people. The collision happened just after 10.40pm on Monday with the police shutting off the M40 near Oxford between Junction 9 (Bicester) and Junction 8 (Tiddington).
People heading out for work in the area this morning will face serious disruption as traffic continues to build up. National Highways said the closure is expected to remain in place for hours, and the motorway will remain shut into the afternoon. Police are guiding motorists on to a long diversion route as an investigation is launch into the circumstances around the crash.
Live traffic cameras from the scene show the road empty when it should usually be jam packed with commuters. Posting an update on its website, National Highways said: “The M40 is closed in both directions between J9 (Bicester) and J8A (Tiddington) following a serious collision.
Traffic caught within the closures has been released via a combination of rearward relief and being escorted slowly past the scene. Thames Valley Police are on scene and carrying out collision investigation work.
The force also confirmed that two men died at the scene and two sustained serious injuries. They said: “A full road closure is in place on the M40 in both directions between junction 9 and junction 8a due to a fatal road traffic collision, which occurred at around 10.41pm yesterday (24/3). Two men sadly died at the scene.
“And two men sustained serious injuries, requiring hospital treatment, where they remain. We would ask the public to please avoid the area and find alternative routes while officers remain at the scene. We will provide further updates when we can.”
In a statement, National Highways said: “The M40 is closed in both directions between J9 (Bicester) and J8A (Tiddington) following a serious collision. Traffic caught within the closures has been released via a combination of rearward relief and being escorted slowly past the scene.
“Thames Valley Police are on scene and carrying out collision investigation work. Although there is currently no estimate for a re-opening time available it is expected that the road will remain closed throughout this mornings peak travel period and into the afternoon.”
It comes after a “serious collision” on the M6 left two miles of delays yesterday, which lead to further travel chaos. The incident happened at around 7pm in the southbound direction between junctions 17 and 16 in Cheshire.
Emergency services, including police and rushed to the scene, where they remain at the time of writing. Motorists are being directed away from the crash via a diversion.
Speaking of that crash, National Highways stated that there is a two-mile backlog of traffic. A spokesman said: “The M6 in Cheshire is closed southbound between J17 (Sandbach) and J16 (Crewe) due a serious collision.
“Cheshire Police, North West Ambulance Service and National Highways Service providers are in attendance. On approach to the closure, delays are likely.”
They later added: “Trapped traffic is currently being released via lane 4 (of 4). There is congestion of approx. 2 miles on approach to the closure.” Motorists have been advised to call 0300 123 5000 for any updates.
