TWO die and THREE are injured after five cars and van are involved in collision that closed the M40 between Loudwater and Handy Cross

A man and woman died and three people were injured in a fatal road traffic collision involving five cars and a van which closed the M40 for four hours in both directions between Loudwater and Handy Cross at approximately 7.15pm on Sunday 25th January 2015.

The collision occurred at about 7.15pm on the Northbound carriageway of the M40 between Junction 3 (Loudwater) and Junction 4 (Handy Cross).

A silver BMW convertible crossed from the southbound carriageway between Junctions 3 and 4 onto the northbound carriageway. It collided with a black Renault Clio and both vehicles caught fire.

The driver of the Clio, believed to be a man in his sixties, was pronounced dead at the scene. A female passenger in the Clio was taken to hospital but later died from her injuries.

Firefighters were called at 7.17pm, two fire appliances with crews were despatched to the scene from High Wycombe fire station, one from Beaconsfield fire station and one from Gerrards Cross fire station, along with an officer.

Two hose reels, two sets of breathing apparatus and two dry powder extinguishers were used by firefighters during the operation to extinguish the fire which engulfed the vehicles.

No formal identification of the victims has taken place and police officers are working to establish the next of kin.

A 32 year old man from Ealing, London has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through drugs. He has been released on bail until Wednesday 11th February 2015.

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to the fatal collision. Anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the vehicles prior to the incident is asked to contact investigating officer, PC Matt Diduca from Amersham Roads Policing on 101.

If you don’t want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.