ONE person has died and three others required hospital treatment following a serious crash on the M42 last night (Sunday).
Four cars and a lorry were involved in the collision on the M42 southbound between junctions 2 (Redditch) and 1 (Bromsgrove) at 8.55pm which resulted in three of the cars setting fire and eight patients in total for ambulance staff to assist.
The vehicles involved were an HGV, Renault Kadjar and two Volkswagen Golfs.
The driver of one of the Volkswagen Golfs sustained fatal injuries and has yet to be formally identified.
The driver of the other Volkswagen Golf, a man in his 20s, received minor injuries to his foot.
The driver of the Renault Kadjar, a man in his 70s, suffered a broken arm and along with cuts abrasions.
His passenger, a woman also in her 70s, sustained a broken arm, leg and pelvis. Both were taken to hospital for treatment.
Two ambulances and two paramedic officers attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Three of the cars were well alight when crews arrived.
The fire service worked quickly to extinguish the fires but upon doing so, a patient was discovered in one of the cars.
“Unfortunately, it immediately became apparent nothing could be done to save them and they were confirmed deceased.
“An off-duty technician, who was in traffic just behind the accident, immediately went to assist upon seeing the collision and with the help of bystanders, managed to pull a woman from one of the burning cars.
“She was treated for minor burns and am arm injury and taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. The quick-thinking actions of those who rescued the woman undoubtedly saved her from suffering far more significant injuries.
“From the same car, the driver, a man believed to be in his 50s, managed to get himself out of the vehicle. He was treated for minor injuries and taken to the same hospital.
“A driver of another car, a man, was treated for a knee injury and taken to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch for further treatment.
“Four other patients, including the driver of the lorry, were assessed and discharged at the scene with minor or no injuries.”
The motorway had to be shut while emergency road repairs were carried out.
Police say investigations are still on-going.
Investigating officer, PS Rob Gilligan of Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG), said: “We would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the circumstances leading up to the incident.”
Witnesses or anyone with any information should call police on 101.
A 52-year-old man from Exmouth, Devon was arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving. He remains in police custody.
