THE LORRY driver involved in the crash on the M42 at 11.50am today (Friday) has died.
The vehicle overturned and caught fire on the motorway, near to the link with the M5.
West Midlands Ambulance Service sent an ambulance and senior paramedic to the scene.
Crews were able to gain access to the patient once the fire was put out but nothing could be done to save them and they were pronounced dead at the scene.
The identity of the driver is unknown.
We reported earlier how the blaze was so severe it took six fire crews – two from Bromsgrove, two from Droitwich, one from Redditch and one from Evesham – to bring the fire under control.
Highways England is working hard with the emergency services to re-open the carriageway following the incident.
Because of the extent of the fire, severe damage has been caused to the carriageway and safety barriers.
The road is closed to enable Central Motorway Police Group to carry out investigations and these continue at present. Diversions are currently in place.
Drivers can either take one of the following diversions –
· Exit junction one (Bromsgrove) and turn right at the roundabout to join the A38 northbound. Then continue on A38 until it meets with J4 of the M5 where road users can re-join the M5 in either direction
· Remain on the M42 and take the M5 northbound to junction4, Lydiate Ash and then via the roundabout back south on the M5
Highways England operations manager Neil Taylor, said: “We are working hard to get the carriageway opened as quickly as possible.
“We’d advise motorists to follow the diversion routes in place while we deal with this serious incident.”
Highways England provides live traffic information via its website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps.
Local Twitter services are also available.
