A MAJOR motorway has been shut after a serious crash which left two people dead.
The M40 is closed in both directions between junction 9 (Bicester) and junction 8 (Tiddington) after the horror collision shortly after midnight.
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Thames Valley Police have now confirmed that two men have tragically died as a result of the crash near Oxford.
Two other men sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital, said the force.
Cops urged motorists and members of the public to avoid the area and find alternative routes of travel.
The horror smash has caused a buildup of traffic and serious disruption for commuters on Tuesday morning.
Drivers have been forced onto a long diversion as cops carry out an investigation into the collision.
National Highways are reporting delays of 30 minutes above normal travel time with 4 miles congestion.
There is also approximately one mile of congestion on approach northbound.
The closure is expected to continue for hours and the motorway is expected to stay shut until the afternoon, said National Highways.
A live traffic camera shows the major road eerily empty at a time when it is usually bustling with traffic during the morning rush.
Those caught in traffic between the closures were released slowly via another route or escorted past the scene.
A statement from Thames Valley Police read: “A full road closure is in place on the M40 in both directions between junction 9 and junction 8a due to a fatal road traffic collision, which occurred at around 10.41pm yesterday (24/3). Two men sadly died at the scene.
“And two men sustained serious injuries, requiring hospital treatment, where they remain.
“We would ask the public to please avoid the area and find alternative routes while officers remain at the scene. We will provide further updates when we can.”
National Highways posted an update on their website which read: “The M40 is closed in both directions between J9 (Bicester) and J8A (Tiddington) following a serious collision.
“Traffic caught within the closures has been released via a combination of rearward relief and being escorted slowly past the scene.
“Thames Valley Police are on scene and carrying out collision investigation work.
“Although there is currently no estimate for a re-opening time available it is expected that the road will remain closed throughout this mornings peak travel period and into the afternoon.”
It comes after drivers also faced long delays on the M40 last night.
There were delays in excess of 30 minutes on the M40 southbound between J3 FlackwellHeath and J2 Beaconsfield on Monday.
This was due to a horror collision involving five vehicles.
M40 full diversion route
Road users are advised to follow the hollow triangle diversion symbol on road signs:
- Exit the M40 southbound at J9 and take the 2nd exit at the roundabout to join the A34 southbound towards Oxford.
- Travel on the A34 south for approximately 6 miles and exit at the Peartree Roundabout junction with the A44.
- At the Peartree Roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A44 towards Oxford and continue southbound towards the next roundabout, the A40 Wolvercote Roundabout.
- At the Wolvercote Roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A40 towards London and continue for approximately 10 miles to re-join the M40 southbound at J8.
Road users are advised to follow the hollow diamond diversion on road signs:
- Exit the M40 northbound at J8, joining the A40, and continue for approximately 6 miles to the Headington Roundabout with the A4142.
- Take the 1st exit onto the A4142 towards Westgate/Cowley
- Follow the A4142 for approximately 5 miles to the Hinksey Hill Interchange with the A34 and take the 3rd exit to join the A34 northbound.
- Remain on the A34 northbound for approximately 12 miles to re-join the M40 northbound at J9.
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