A lorry driver lost his life and three people were arrested after a horrific crash on the M27 near Southampton Airport on Wednesday. The collision, which involved a Mercedes lorry, a Nissan Juke and a Volkswagen Polo, occurred near Junction 5 shortly after 12:30 GMT.
The lorry driver, a man in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene by the paramedics. His identity has not been released yet, pending notification of his family. A woman, who was in the Nissan, suffered minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Two men, aged 32 and 37, and a woman, 40, have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The trio, all of no fixed abode, remain in custody at a local police station. Hampshire Police said they are investigating the circumstances of the crash and appealed for any witnesses or dashcam footage to come forward.
The westbound carriageway of the M27 was closed for several hours as the emergency services dealt with the aftermath of the crash. The lorry caught fire several hours after the collision, damaging an overhead gantry and causing further delays. National Highways said the motorway would remain shut until possibly tonight while repair works take place.
The crash caused huge traffic disruptions in the area, with drivers facing long queues and diversions. Some motorists expressed their frustration and sympathy on social media. One X user wrote:
“Stuck on the M27 for over an hour now. Hope everyone involved is okay. RIP to the lorry driver.” Another said: “Such a sad news. My thoughts are with the lorry driver’s family and friends. Please drive safely everyone.”
