M6 to be closed all Sunday after crash leaves one man dead
A man has died after a crash between a lorry, car and van on the M6 at Walsall which will close the motorway until Monday morning.
MORE: M6 reopens after fatal crash
Another man involved in the crash was described as walking wounded and has been treated for his injuries. The relatives of the deceased have been informed.
The M6 remains closed at Juntion 10a near the M54 while specialist investigators examine the scene for clues. CCTV is also currently being reviewed.
Specialist recovery equipment is being brought in from north Staffordshire to remove the vehicles and major repair work is also needed to a gantry badly damaged in the crash.
Leaking fuel is also thought to have seriously damaged the road surface.
Diversions are in place but the motorway is expected to be closed for the rest of the day and drivers should find alternative routes.
Sergeant Chris Ridge, from the Central Motorway Police Group, said: "We and our colleagues from Highways England are working flat out to ensure the motorway reopens as soon as possible. But given the severity of this fatal crash this is likely to take some time.
"Drivers will clearly be inconvenienced by the closure and I apologise in advance. I would ask for them to be patient and keep listening to local radio. More than this I would ask them to keep in mind the family and friends of the deceased, and understand that we are doing everything we can to find the answers to why their loved one has died."
Highways England spokeswoman Sam Harris, said: "We did have some traffic which the police have allowed us to release just past the scene using the fast lane.
"We are hoping it will be open in time for the morning peak.
"We will liaise with V Festival as it may impact some of the exodus. We will talk with V Festival to pass that message on."
Staffordshire Police have warned those coming from V Festival that they should expect long delays leaving the festival tonight.
A police spokesman said: "Campers if you can stay on site tonight please do so, the M6 is closed overnight due to a collision causing severe delays on all routes.
"Day visitors - there will be long delays due leaving the site on all routed - please be patient
"If you are being picked up expect - don't worry we are working to look after you and the arena is staying open."
Witnesses to the crash should call West Midlands Police on 101 quoting reference number 1400 of August 21.
