M5 closed northbound after woman killed in lorry crash
A stretch of the M5 was closed into the evening rush-hour after a woman died in a crash.
The northbound carriageway was closed near Halesowen after the car was left trapped under the front of the lorry in the collision.
Emergency services rushed to the incident between junctions 4 and 3 shortly before 4.30am.
But the woman, who was in the car, was confirmed dead at the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance spokesman explained: “On arrival, crews discovered a woman in the car, who was found to be in cardiac arrest.
“Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.
“The lorry driver, a man, was uninjured in the incident and discharged at the scene.”
Highways England warned drivers heading north to avoid the M5 today, with delays of more than an hour on the motorway and heavy congestion on nearby roads.
The northbound route was still shut between Junction 4 for Bromsgrove and Junction 3 for Halesowen throughout rush hour while collision investigators examined the scene.
The vehicles involved are now being recovered.
Officials said the route was being cleared with hopes it would reopen by this evening.
Meanwhile West Mercia Police has urged anyone with information or footage of the crash to get in touch.
A spokesman for the force said: "We are particularly keen to hear from people who were driving in the area shortly before the collision, who may have dash-cam footage.
"Please get in touch to share what you saw. Even the smallest piece of information could help our investigation into this incident.
"To share information, please phone the police on 101 and give reference number 52S of 10 April.
"You can also report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by phoning 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org."
A statement from Highways England added: "It is likely that the carriageway will remain closed through the day while police carry out investigations, and drivers are advised to follow clearly signed diversion routes or use alternative routes where possible.
"Northbound traffic is advised to follow the A491 via Junction 4, then the A456, following signs for Birmingham and M5, to rejoin the M5 at Junction 3.
"But with diversion routes already busy and expected to be further congested, drivers are also advised to avoid the M5 northbound and follow the M42 to access the M6."
It comes just one week after lorry driver Brian Harper died following a crash southbound on the same motorway between junctions 2 and 3.
The father of four from Wednesbury is believed to have suffered a 'medical alert' at the wheel when he crashed into the central reservation on Easter Monday.
