Fatal M3 Crash Brings Winchester to a Standstill
A deadly smash involving three lorries and a car has shut down the M3 near Winchester, grinding one of the UK’s busiest routes to a halt.
Multi-Vehicle Pile-Up Hits Morning Traffic
The horror collision unfolded just after rush hour at around 10.30am between junction 10 (Winchester) at Bar End and junction 9 (A34 northbound) at Winnall. Police swiftly closed the motorway in both directions between junctions 10 and 11, causing massive delays and chaos in nearby city routes.
Air Ambulance Scrambles as Motorway Remains Closed
The southbound carriageway reopened by 11.45am, but the northbound side is expected to stay shut for most of the afternoon. Emergency crews kept the area clear to allow the air ambulance to land and attend to casualties. Drivers are urged to steer clear of the gridlocked stretch.
Serious Injuries and Tragic Fatality Confirmed
A South Central Ambulance Service spokesman confirmed:
“We were called at 10.27am by Hampshire Police about a serious collision involving three HGVs and a car on the M3 northbound between junctions 10 and 9. We sent two ambulances, two rapid response paramedic teams, our Hazardous Area Response Team, and the air ambulance.”
They added:
“One person with serious injuries has been taken by road to southampton/" title="Southampton" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Southampton General Hospital, escorted by the air ambulance crew. Another patient with minor injuries went to Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester, and a third was treated on scene.”
Graphic Scene as Black Car Crushed
An eyewitness revealed the horror, saying the black car was “sandwiched and crushed to a quarter of its normal size” after reportedly trying to cut in for the A34 exit.
Tonight, special cranes are working to recover the wreckage and free the deceased driver from the crushed vehicle, as rescue efforts continue.
