Is M27 open? Latest updates on major motorway near Southampton after lorry driver dies in 'serious' car crash and three arrested

Police were called shortly after 12.30pm on Wednesday 21 February to reports of a serious multi-vehicle collision at junction five on the M27. The collision involved a Mercedes lorry, Nissan Juke and Volkswagen Polo.

Sadly, the driver of the lorry, a man in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene. His family has been notified and are being supported by specially trained officers. A woman, who was in the Nissan, reported minor injuries. Several hours after the collision, the lorry caught fire, and a gantry was damaged.

A 32-year-old man, a 37-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman, all of no fixed abode, have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. They have been taken to hospital.

Officers remain at the scene and the westbound carriageway between junctions five and nine were closed overnight. The motorway remains shut westbound between Fareham at Junction 9 and Junction 5. The junctions are are expected to remain shut until tonight, the highways authority has said.

National Highways has said this morning (Thursday 22 February) the stretch of motorway will be closed until tonight. A social media statement said: "The M27 westbound remains closed between J9 Fareham and J5 Southampton following a serious collision yesterday.

"This closure will remain closed until possibly tonight while emergency works take place through out the day/evening. There are delays of 60 minutes in the area." Police told The Portsmouth News that they are "no longer at the scene" and the reopening time will now depend on National Highways who have "control" over the scene.

The AA Traffic News reported yesterday: “Road closed and severe delays due to serious multi-vehicle crash and debris on road on M27 Westbound from J7 A334 Charles Watts Way (Hedge End) to J5 A335 Stoneham Way (Southampton Airport / Eastleigh). Congestion to before J8.”

A police spokesperson said: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will update you when we have further details on the circumstances of the collision. Please could motorists avoid the area and check before you travel in the morning. We once again thank you for your patience. Officers have launched an investigation and three people have been arrested.”

The spokesperson added: "Officers are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage. Were you in the area at the time of the collision? Did you see anything that could help? Do you have dashcam footage?”.

In an update on Thursday afternoon, Hampshire Police said on X: "Here’s an update from our Highways colleagues who are working to make the stretch of #M27 safe, pleased be advised the closure remains in place and will be for several hours so please plan ahead for this afternoon’s rush hour."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting the reference 44240076451. Alternatively, go online and submit information via https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/