Major motorway shuts as police attend 'serious' incident with drivers warned to expect 'hours' of delays

Warwickshire Police and emergency services are in attendance with drivers advised to take alternative routes.

National Highways Traffic Officers are also on the scene to assist with traffic management while the road remains closed.

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The agency said that it expects the closures to last for an “extended period of time” with motorists urged to follow the diverted routes in place.

Drivers should follow the “Solid Square” diversion symbol on road signs and exit the M40 northbound at J12. At the end of the slip road, they need to turn left onto the B4451 towards Gaydon.

From here, drivers should remain on the B4451 as it merges into the B4100 and continue for approximately seven miles, taking the second exit at the first two roundabouts and then the third exit at the third roundabout, to reach the roundabout the roundabout with the A425.

At the A425 roundabout, motorists need to take the first exit towards M40 (N) and Stratford-Upon-Avon before continuing onto the M40 J14 and re-joining the M40 northbound.

Posting on X, Warwickshire Police said: “The M40 is closed northbound between junction 12 for Gaydon and junction 13 for Warwick following a collision.

“It is likely to remain closed for some time including access from Warwick Services. Please avoid the area. If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”

In a separate post on Facebook the police added: “Any witnesses to the collision or anyone with dash cam footage is asked to get in touch with us via the link in the comments below or by calling 101. Please quote incident 42 of September 12, 2024.”

A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust confirmed that a van driver has died in the collision with a lorry.

The spokesperson told GB News: "We were called to reports of a collision between junctions 12 and 13 of the M40 northbound near Gaydon at around 5.45am. Two ambulances and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene where, on arrival, crews found a van and a lorry had been involved in a collision.

"Sadly, it quickly became clear the driver of the van, a man, could not be saved and was confirmed dead at the scene. The lorry driver was not injured."

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A spokesperson for Warwickshire Police told GB News: "“Officers remain on the scene of a serious collision between a van and a lorry on the M40 northbound between junction 12 and junction 13.

“The first call concerning this collision was made to us at 5.39am this morning, September 12. This northbound stretch remains closed at this time. Any witnesses or anyone with information relating to the collision is asked to call 101 or visit Report | Warwickshire Police quoting incident 42 of 12 September 2024.”

Detective Sergeant Stephen Barr added: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with the man's friends and loved ones at this very difficult time."