Witnesses appeal launched after M27 collision
HAMPSHIRE CONSTABULARY have announced they have launched an “urgent” appeal for witnesses and information to assist their continuing investigation into a huge multi-vehicle collision on the M27 westbound earlier this week, which tragically left a male in his thirties with ‘fatal injuries’ and left a large section of the motorway closed for nearly 41 hours.
Officers were called to Junction 5 (Southampton Airport) shortly after 12:30pm on Wednesday (February 21) to a report of this collision; which involved a Mercedes lorry, Nissan Juke, and Volkswagen Polo. Sadly the male driver of this lorry was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of medical staff and family are being supported by trained police.
A woman from the Nissan also received treatment for her minor injuries and immediate closures of the M27 westbound from junction 5 to 9 were put in place. The lorry then caught fire several hours after the initial collision and an overhead gantry was damaged; meaning the motorway lanes couldn’t open fully until after 5am on Friday due to required repairs.
Traffic queues were heavy across the surrounding routes including Fareham, Whitely and Portsmouth in the immediate aftermath; whilst diversions were put in place to relieve this pressure and warnings published about the delays. Drivers have been thanked for showing patience and understanding for emergency services in a particularly ‘delicate situation’.
Detectives have launched their “initial investigations” and have confirmed the arrests of three individuals, all of no fixed abode, on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. They include a thirty-two year old man, a 37 year old male and a forty year old female, who have all been taken to the Hospital and no further information has been yet publicised.
Police believe there was multiple drivers and passengers who may be witnesses to the collision on Wednesday, or any of the vehicles in the period before the crash impact. They are particularly keen to speak with anybody who could have helpful information that could help their continuing investigation, including those with dash cam footage from their cars.
Investigators are asking for anybody with information or footage to contact police by calling the non-emergency number 101 and quote the case’s reference number of 44240076451. They can further submit details using the online reporting tool available on the Hampshire Police website, with all official support and further guidance available on the links here.
Alternatively, readers can contact the “independent charity” Crimestoppers 100% anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 for absolutely free; or via their anonymous online forms which can be found through their website: https://orlo.uk/250kR
PICTURED BY HAMPSHIRE CONSTABULARY: Graphic displaying the new ‘witness appeal’ launched by police force.
