Motorway shut by fatal crash

The driver of a lorry was killed when his vehicle crashed into a van and a gas tanker that had already collided between junction 10 at Ardley and the A34 junction nine near Bicester at about 6.30am.

The accident caused huge tailbacks along the motorway and had an effect on surrounding roads in the area.

Police said last night the man, who was 46, was from the West Midlands.

His family has been informed.

The fire service believe the tanker, which was carrying a load of flammable gas, was hit from behind by a Luton box van.

The van was then hit by the lorry.

Station manager Chris Wilson, who was in charge of the incident, said none of the gas had leaked out of the tanker.

He said: “The tanker received substantial damage but only to the external framework.

“None of the gas leaked out or created any further hazard.”

Mr Wilson added: “Unfortunately the driver of the lorry was too severely injured and did not survive the crash.”

He said emergency crews were able to get to the driver of the van quickly and give him emergency treatment at the scene.

He was trapped in the wreckage and rescue crews from Bicester and Kidlington worked for about an hour to cut him free.

One of the people in the van suffered a broken leg, while another escaped with minor injuries. It was not clear which of those was the driver last night.

South Central Ambulance spokesman James Keating-Wilkes said both men were taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.

They were believed to be in a stable condition last night.

The driver of the tanker was unhurt, but left shaken by the incident.

The southbound carriageway was closed until lunchtime as wreckage was cleared and accident investigators examined the scene.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to contact officers at the Road Death Investigation Unit at Bicester on 08458 505505.

Alternatively, witnesses can give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.