A LORRY driver has died after their vehicle overturned and caught fire on the motorway this morning.
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the M42, near to the link with the M5, shortly before 11.50am and sent an ambulance and a senior paramedic officer to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Ambulance staff arrived at the scene to find the lorry overturned and on fire.
“Once the fire had been brought under control, crews were able to access the patient.
“Unfortunately, it immediately became apparent that nothing could be done to save them and they were confirmed dead at the scene.”
Meanwhile Highways England is working hard to reopen the M42 southbound following the incident.
The road is closed to enable Central Motorway Police Group to carry out investigations and these continue at present. Diversions are currently in place.
Drivers can choose one of the following diversions, including:
· Exit junction one (Bromsgrove) and turn right at the roundabout to join the A38 northbound. Then continue on A38 until it meets with J4 of the M5 where road users can re-join the M5 in either direction
· Remain on the M42 and take the M5 northbound to junction4, Lydiate Ash and then via the roundabout back south on the M5
Highways England operations manager Neil Taylor, said: “We are working hard to get the carriageway opened as quickly as possible. We’d advise motorists to follow the diversion routes in place while we deal with this serious incident.”
Highways England provides live traffic information via its website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.
