Tragic M40 Crash Kills Two, Closes Motorway Near Oxford
Two men have died and two others are seriously injured after a horrific smash on the M40 overnight. The motorway between junctions 9 (Bicester) and 8A (Thame/Aylesbury) was shut in both directions following the fatal collision.
Fatal Crash Sparks Long M40 Closure
Emergency crews raced to the scene at 10.41pm on Sunday (March 24) after reports of a serious crash. Thames Valley Police confirmed two men died instantly. Two other men remain in hospital with serious injuries, though their conditions are still unknown.
The M40 remains completely closed as collision investigators comb the area. National Highways warns the closure will likely last through Monday’s rush hour and beyond, causing major motorway chaos.
Drivers Warned: Avoid the M40 and Expect Major Delays
“There is currently no estimate for a re-opening time. The road is expected to remain closed throughout this morning’s peak travel period and into the afternoon,” said a National Highways spokesperson.
Traffic is already tailing back with four miles of queues and 30-minute delays reported during the morning rush.
Motorists are being diverted southbound via the A34 towards Oxford and then east along the A40 Northern Bypass to rejoin the M40 at junction 8. But it’s not just the M40 causing misery.
A separate crash on the A34 between the A4183 south of Kennington and the A415 has piled on another 30 minutes of delays for drivers heading south of Oxford.
Police Appeal for Witnesses Amid Ongoing Investigation
“A full road closure is in place on the M40 in both directions between Junction 9 and Junction 8A due to a fatal road traffic collision. We ask the public to avoid the area and use alternative routes while officers remain at the scene,” Thames Valley Police said.
The force has launched an investigation and urgently needs witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area at the time.
If you have information, contact Thames Valley Police on 101 quoting incident reference 43240135314.
