Woman dies as separate crashes close M5 and M54
A woman has died and several vehicles have been involved in separate crashes which closed the M5 and M54 today.
The M5 was closed after a crash involving a car and a 4x4 in the early hours near Bromsgrove.
Drivers heading towards the Black Country and Birmingham faced queues of up to 90 minutes as emergency services attended.
The crash happened at around 5.40am on the northbound carriageway, close to Junction 4A for the M42.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a car that had suffered considerable damage. An off duty paramedic and bystanders were trying to assist the car driver.
“Unfortunately, despite all efforts, it was not possible to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.
“Two men in the 4×4 were assessed but were unhurt and were discharged at the scene.”
West Mercia Police is investigating the crash and is appealing for eyewitnesses and anyone who has dashcam footage of the crash.
Traffic is being diverted through the A38.
Chief Superintendent Tom Harding said: "We appreciate this is causing disruption for the morning motorists and we would ask that they please be patient and bear with us while we deal with the incident.
"As I'm sure the public can understand, we are in the process of investigating a serious collision. This will require a detailed investigation which may take a number of hours to complete.
"We are working with partners to ensure the road is open as soon as possible and are doing all we can to minimise closure times. We are also sending officers to the surrounding areas to ensure those who may be caught up in the traffic can be on their way as soon as possible.
"We would like to thank everyone for their support and understanding at this time."
A Highways England spokesman said there has been 10 miles of queues, with police releasing backed up traffic past the scene of the crash.
Rush hour crash
Meanwhile, the M54 was blocked after a rush hour crash.
The crash happened on the eastbound M54 soon after 8am on Wednesday, between Junction 3 at Tong and Junction 2 near Wolverhampton.
Several damaged vehicles had to be moved from the road, and traffic was congested for up to four and a half miles.
Highways England advised that journeys would be delayed by up to 40 minutes, and witnesses reported several fire engines, ambulances and police vehicles at the scene on social media.
It is unclear at this stage if there is anyone injured.
