A MOTORCYCLIST has been flown to hospital with 'serious injuries' after a crash on the M40 this morning.

The collision triggered major delays and the closure of the northbound road, which didn't reopen until around 2pm. 

South Central Ambulance Service spokesman David Gallagher said a 24-year-old motorcyclist came off his bike on the M40 northbound at Oakely.

Oxford Mail:

Photo by Harjap Bhangal​

Despite reports on social media of a 'pile-up' and traffic feeds stating three vehicles crashed, he said the bike was the only vehicle involved. 

SCAS said the man sustained 'serious injuries' and was flown to the John Radcliffe Hospital by the Thames Valley Air Ambulance. 

Traffic on the northbound carriageway of the road was at a standstill following the collision, which happened close to junction 8A (Wheatley). 

Highways England said all lanes were reopen at 1.45pm and delays on approach were easing.  

The crash happened just before 9am and Highways England was starting to turn trapped traffic around at about 10.30am, and asked drivers to 'be patient'.

Responding to a driver on Twitter, it said the closure was necessary to allow Thames Valley Police to investigate.

Oxford Mail:

Paramedics and firefighters were on the scene and an air ambulance also landed next to the carriageway. 

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Oxford Mail:

M40 closure (dotted line). Pic: AA/ Google

The crash caused long queues on the A40 towards Oxford from Wheatley, and on several other surrounding roads as drivers rerouted.

Drivers were advised to leave the road at junction 8, take the A40 to Headington, take the A4142 southbound then follow the A34 northbound to rejoin the M40 at junction 9. 

It is understood part of the southbound M40 was also shut to allow the air ambulance to land safely, but has since reopened.