Woman in 60s and man in 70s die in M40 horror after multi-car smash which left 12 others injured

Two people have died and 12 injured following a horror crash on the M40 near High Wycombe.

The collision, involving eight vehicles, took place between junctions four and five of the motorway at around 8.15am.

Two people, a woman in her 60s and a man in his 70s, were pronounced dead at the scene, police have confirmed.

Two individuals were also rushed to hospital with serious injuries, while a further ten people are also being treated for minor injuries.

The scene of a fatal crash on the M40 near High Wycombe this morning, in which 12 people were also injured

Emergency services pictured at the scene of the crash on the M40 southbound between junctions four and five today

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The crash came after Britain suffered a cold spell which saw the Met Office issue a yellow weather warning for fog – which ended at 11am. 

The M40 was closed in both directions for more than three hours following the crash to allow for an air ambulance to land on the motorway. 

The southbound carriageway remains shut to all traffic while emergency services continue to work at the scene, but the northbound carriageway has since reopened.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Bettington, of Thames Valley Police’s Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said: ‘Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the two people who died.

‘We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or who may have dash-cam footage, to please get in touch.’

A spokesperson for the force added: ‘Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses and dash-cam footage following a fatal RTC on the M40 in South Buckinghamshire.

‘At around 8.15am, there was a collision involving around eight vehicles on the M40 between J5 and J4 southbound.

‘Sadly, a woman in her sixties and a man in his seventies, died at the scene. Their next of kin has been informed and is being supported by specially trained officers.

‘A further two people sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital where they remain.

‘Ten people sustained minor injuries, a number of who were taken to hospital for additional checks.’

Emergency services have blocked off the M40 southbound near High Wycombe, with all traffic being diverted off the motorway

Heavy traffic on the M40 following the fatal crash earlier this morning. Emergency services continue to work at the scene

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A statement from Highways England added: ‘Thames Valley Police, Fire, Ambulance Services and National Highways Traffic Officers attended with Thames Valley Air Ambulance landing on the northbound carriageway.

‘The northbound carriageway was also closed, but reopened circa 11.30am.

‘Due to the nature of the incident, Thames Valley Police are carrying out collision investigation work. 

‘Once complete, vehicle recovery and carriageway clean-up work can begin. The closure is expected to be protracted and in place for a considerable time today.’

It comes as motorists have been warned over freezing fog as temperatures plummet over the weekend.

Drivers were told to brace for difficult driving conditions after the Met Office have forecasted a haze so thick that visibility could drop as low as 50m in some parts of England. 

Anyone with information regarding the crash has been urged to call 101 or contact Thames Valley Police online, quoting reference 43230032159.