Drivers across the Midlands faced significant disruption on Monday, August 17, after two separate motorway collisions. A fatal crash on the M6 northbound closed the road for most of the day, while a multi-vehicle collision on the M5 caused long delays into the evening rush hour.
Fatal M6 crash closes motorway
The M6 northbound was closed between J15 Stoke and J16 A500 following a collision involving three lorries and a car at approximately 4.10am. The driver of the car, a man, was pronounced dead at the scene. Staffordshire Police confirmed that his next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
A lorry driver was also injured in the crash and was taken to hospital. According to a police spokesperson, his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening or life-changing at this time. The motorway remained closed at 4pm, with delays of 75 minutes and six miles of congestion on the approach.
Police appeal for witnesses and footage
Staffordshire Police has launched an appeal for witnesses, as well as anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage from the area at the time of the incident. The spokesperson said: "We are appealing for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of the area at the time to contact us. Call 101, quoting incident 86 of 17 August, or use Live Chat on our website. To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
Alternatively, collision investigators can be contacted directly via email at ciu@staffordshire.police.uk. National Highways West Midlands provided an update, stating: "M6 remains closed north in Staffordshire, investigations ongoing between J15 Stoke & J16 A500. Delays of 75 mins on approach. 6 miles of congestion. There are also delays of 40 mins on the A500, which is part of the diversion route."
M5 collision causes 50-minute delays
Separately, a crash involving two cars occurred on the M5 northbound between J8 M50 and J7 Whittington, Worcestershire. The incident was reported at 2.06pm, and lanes were closed off from around 2pm. One man was injured in the collision, but his injuries are not believed to be serious. He was treated at the scene by West Midlands Ambulance Service and then conveyed to Worcester Royal Hospital.
The M5 northbound was closed for approximately three hours but has since reopened. However, delays of 50 minutes remained on the approach during the 5pm rush hour. National Highways West Midlands issued a final update, saying: "All lanes are now open between J8 M50 and J7 Worcester. Current delays of 50 minutes on the approach, with 4 miles of congestion."
The two incidents caused widespread travel disruption across the Midlands, with drivers advised to allow extra time for their journeys and to follow diversion routes where necessary.
