Two men have died in a crash that closed M40 northbound for more than two hours yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon.
Emergency services were called out to the scene between J3 (Loudwater) and J4 (Handy Cross), at around 3.45pm, where a silver Renault Traffic van was reported to have come off the carriageway and hit some trees.
Police have now confirmed the driver, 22, and a passenger, 31, both from Warwickshire, were pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed.
Two other passengers, also both men, were taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
Fire services, police and ambulance services, including air ambulance, were at the scene and the motorway was closed for more than two hours while the emergency services dealt with the incident.
Two lanes were reopened at around 6pm and all lanes were opened at around 7.10pm.
Drivers were asked to avoid the area and a diversion was in place via the A355, A40 and A404, with drivers asked to follow the hollow square symbol.
Investigating officer PC Richard Martin, of roads policing, said: “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the two men who died today.”
Police said at this stage they do not believe another vehicle was involved and are appealing for witnesses to call 101 quoting URN 982 29/3.
On route to #M40 J3 to J4 to a RTC , avoid area please
— TVP Roads Policing (@tvprp) March 29, 2017
Latest incident: Crews have been called to report of collision on M40 northbound between junctions 2 (Beaconsfield) and 3 (Loudwater)
— Bucks and MK Fire (@Bucksfire) March 29, 2017
M40 update: Corrected location is northbound between 3 (Loudwater) and 4 (Handy Cross). Please be aware of emergency service activity
— Bucks and MK Fire (@Bucksfire) March 29, 2017
#M40 Northbound is closed J3 - J4 nr #Loudwater, due to a collision. @ThamesVP led. Diversion via A40 + A404 - follow hollow square symbol.
— Highways England (@HighwaysEAST) March 29, 2017
#M40 Northbound closed J3 - J4. Traffic trapped within the closure is now being released in lane 3. Thanks for your patience this afternoon.
— Highways England (@HighwaysEAST) March 29, 2017
M40 North bound loudwater to handy cross blocked due to road traffic accident, Emergency services on scene, A40 and A404 very busy.
— Transport for Bucks (@tfbalerts) March 29, 2017
M40 update, road will remain closed for at least 2 hours for investigation by police
— Transport for Bucks (@tfbalerts) March 29, 2017
LOCATION UPDATE... #M40 Northbound is now closed btwn J2 #Beaconsfield + J4 #Loudwater due to a collision. Traffic to use A355, A40, A404
— Highways England (@HighwaysEAST) March 29, 2017
Road reopening - after earlier serious RTC at #M40 J2 -4, two lanes are now being reopened. Lane 1 and hard shoulder will remain closed.
— TVP Roads Policing (@tvprp) March 29, 2017
2 lanes (of 3) are now open on #M40 N/bound btwn J2 #Beaconsfield + J4 #HighWycombe. Delays on #M25 and M40 are easing quickly.
— Highways England (@HighwaysEAST) March 29, 2017
All lanes are now open on #M40 N/bound btwn J2 #Beaconsfield + J4 #HighWycombe. Slight delays remain on #M25 and M40 approaching J2.
— Highways England (@HighwaysEAST) March 29, 2017
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