LATEST: Fog played ‘major part’ in fatal M40 30 vehicle pile-up

Police are still at the scene of a multi-vehicle fatal road traffic collision on the M40 northbound carriageway, between junctions 9-10.

Multiple eyewitness called 999 at 7.50am today, to report the collision which involved more than 30 vehicles and resulted in one fatality.

One person remains critically ill and six people are being treated for serious injuries, all were taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.

Six people with minor injuries were taken to the Horton Hospital, Banbury.

A further 49 people involved in the collision were assessed at the scene.

Ch Insp Henry Parsons of Thames Valley Police Roads Policing said: “The cause of this collision is under investigation, however, we believe that fog played a major part.

“This has been an extraordinarily large collision, we have not had a collision on this scale for many years in Thames Valley and one man has sadly lost his life.

“We are working as quickly as possible to clear the area and get the traffic moving again. I would like to thank the public for their patience while we undertake our important investigative work before a full reopening of the road is possible.

“Should anyone have concerns about friends or relatives who may have been travelling on the M40 this morning, then they can call our non-emergency number 101 for assistance.”

Thames Valley Police continues to work alongside other emergency workers, including South Central Ambulance Service, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Highways Agency at the scene at this time.

The M40 remains closed, northbound at junction 9-10. Motorists are asked to avoid the area.