M40 closed northbound as serious crash involving several cars leaves drivers sitting in dark

The motorway was closed for hours heading towards Birmingham after a major collision in Warwickshire - two lanes were also shut southbound

The M40 was brought to a standstill for hours after a serious crash left the northbound carriageway closed. It happened between junctions 11, at Banbury, and 12 at Gaydon, Warwickshire, at around 7.45pm yesterday, Saturday, September 28, and left the scene at a standstill for much of the night.

National Highways said the accident was 'serious' with reports suggesting several vehicles had been involved. Drivers were urged to seek alternative routes and heed diversions 'where possible'. West Midlands National Highways said that by early morning on Sunday, all lanes were reopened, easing delays.

A motorist on Facebook described the scene: "Really big and serious crash on the M40 near Gaydon. There are two police helicopters circling the area.

"It's really bad. Loads of emergency services and the traffic is at a very long standstill. Thinking of those involved. By 11pm all cars turned off the engines and sat in the darkness while the emergency workers did their job.", reports Coventry Live.