Traffic on the M40 faced severe disruptions following a tragic collision on Monday night that took the lives of two men and left two others in serious condition. The accident occurred around 10:40 p.m. on March 24, 2025, between the junctions for Bicester (J9) and Tiddington (J8A) in Oxfordshire, resulting in the closure of the motorway in both directions.
Emergency services responded promptly, discovering four men with serious injuries at the scene. While two were pronounced dead at the site of the wreckage, the remaining two were promptly transported to the hospital for urgent care. Unfortunately, their conditions remain serious, as confirmed by Thames Valley Police.
In light of the accident, the M40 is expected to remain closed for the entirety of the morning rush hour and into the afternoon as thorough investigations continue. National Highways has indicated that there is currently "no estimate for a reopening time" as they assess the collision's circumstances.
Delays on the M40 have compounded what is typically a busy commute. Reports indicate that traffic has built up, with approximately four miles of congestion observed, prompting National Highways to advise motorists to avoid the area if possible. They have implemented a diversion route, directing southbound traffic from J9 to rejoin the motorway at J8, using alternative routes like the A34.
Thames Valley Police have urged the public to steer clear of the scene while ongoing investigations take place. The serious nature of the crash necessitated a full closure of the motorway as officials work diligently to gather evidence and establish the events leading to the tragic incident.
Further complicating travel, another crash was reported on the A34, where part is currently shut due to similar circumstances. This has resulted in additional delays of around 30 minutes for motorists in the vicinity of Oxford.
National Highways has also issued a warning regarding potential delays throughout the morning, with the M40 closure expected to affect traffic flow severely. They have described the closures as a mixture of physical diversions and the slow escorting of traffic away from the accident scene. Motorists caught in the closures previously have been released but are still experiencing significant delays.
In response to the situation, Thames Valley Police released a statement detailing the events: "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. This collision occurred at around 10:41 p.m. yesterday (March 24). Two men sadly died at the scene. 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."
The serious nature of the crash not only highlights the dangers of motorway travel but also serves as a stark reminder for drivers to maintain attention and safety while on roadways known for heavy traffic.
Despite the tragic events, the cause of the crash remains under investigation, as authorities urge witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. The hope is to provide clarity to the families affected by this tragic loss.
This incident adds to the growing concerns surrounding road safety on the M40, an already heavily-frequented route that experiences significant traffic and congestion regularly. The motorway's designation as a critical transportation route further emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and management by authorities to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future.
As the morning unfolds, motorists seeking to navigate around the closed section of the M40 are reminded to take extra care and consider alternative routes suggested by traffic officials. Many are revamping their morning commutes while navigating heavier than usual traffic as the aftermath of this dreadful crash lingers in the air.
Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as they become available. The possibility of re-opening the M40 remains uncertain as diligent investigations proceed.
This incident serves not only as a somber reminder of the fragility of life on the roads but also emphasizes the importance of road safety for all travelers.
