M40 SHUT after crash with closure expected to continue until the afternoon as drivers forced on long diversion

A MAJOR motorway has been shut following a serious crash just after midnight. 

The M40 was closed in both directions between junction 9 (Bicester) and junction 8 (Tiddington).

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It has caused a buildup of traffic and serious disruption for commuters on Tuesday morning.

The closure is expected to continue for hours and the motorway is expected to stay shut until the afternoon, said National Highways.

Drivers have been forced onto a long diversion as cops carry out an investigation into the collision.

A live traffic camera shows the road eerily empty at a time when it is usually very busy.

Those caught in traffic between the closures were released slowly via another route or escorted past the scene.

Police have now confirmed that two men tragically died as a result of the crash. 

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.

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.

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