Woman killed as M6 lorry crash shuts motorway for nine hours
A woman has died after the car she was driving was involved in a crash with two lorries on the M6.
The woman, aged in her 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene after the crash happened near Walsall shortly before 9am.
The motorway was closed between Junction 9 for Wednesbury and 10 for Walsall for nearly nine hours as a result.
An air ambulance, paramedics, firefighters and police were all sent to the crash after a 999 call at 8.52am and found the woman had suffered "multiple serious injuries".
The two lorry drivers stopped at the scene and were checked over. They are said to be helping officers with their investigation.
Specialist collision investigators from West Midlands Police spent much of the day examining the crash site and the motorway was not full back open until 4.45pm.
Drivers faced delays of more than an hour, with five-mile tailbacks on the M6 and heavy congestion on the M5 and smaller local roads as drivers sought to avoid the M6.
A West Midlands Ambulance service spokesman said: “On arrival we discovered a total of three patients.
“The driver of the car, a woman, had suffered multiple serious injuries. Sadly, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.
“The two lorry drivers, both men, were assessed and discharged at the scene uninjured.”
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "The drivers of both lorries stopped at the scene and are assisting officers in their investigation.
"The woman’s family have been informed and are being supported by our specially trained officers.
"The motorway is currently closed northbound between junctions 9 and 10. It is likely to remain closed for several hours so we ask you to please avoid the area and thank you for your patience.
"Enquiries are in the early stages and anyone who witnessed the collision or with information can contact us via live chat on our website or by calling 101. Please quote log number 870 of 27 July."
Traffic was diverted off the motorway at Junction 9 and onto the A461, A41, A444, A463 and then A454 before rejoining the motorway at Junction 10.
