08/05/12….Passenger killed in M40 crash

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for information after a fatal road traffic collision on the M40, early on Saturday morning (5/5).

Officers were called to the scene of the collision on the soundbound carriageway between junctions 8 and 9 shortly before 5am this morning after reports that white Mercedes people carrier-style taxi had crashed through the central reservation into the northbound carriageway.

The vehicle, which is believed to have travelled from the High Wycombe area, was carrying six passengers and a driver. All the occupants of the vehicle were men.

One of the passengers was pronounced dead at the scene and three other passengers have been taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital with serious injuries. One of these is believed to be life threatening.

Sgt Bryan Smith from the Roads Policing Team based at Bicester said: ?Because of the nature of the accident, the M40 has been closed in both directions between junction 8 at Thame and junction 9 at Bicester.

?We anticipate that the road will be closed for a number of hours to allow for an investigation of the collision to take place and full clear-up operation to happen.

?I would advise all motorists to avoid the road and find alternative routes as the road closure is expected to be in place for several hours.

?I would also appeal for anyone who was travelling along the M40 around the time the collision was reported to us, who may have witnessed this incident, to come forward and speak with us about what they saw.?

Anyone with information should contact Sgt Smith via the 24-hour Thames Valley Police Enquiry Line on 101. Alternatively, you can contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

STATUS; Press release