A WOMAN has died after a horror crash between a car and a lorry that has closed the M5 near Worcester.

West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed the woman had died in the crash, which happened at around 1.30pm today between J5 (Droitwich) and J6 (Worcester).

It confirmed crews had tried to save her life but she died at the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "Crews arrived at the scene to find the driver of the car in a critical condition after coming into collision with an HGV.

"Crews worked quickly to administer advanced trauma care to the woman.

"But sadly, despite their best efforts, nothing could be done to save her, and she was confirmed deceased on scene."

The crash caused significant delays southbound between Droitwich and Worcester, with an air ambulance being sent from Strensham to assist.

This stretch of the M5 is a smart motorway which is controversial because there is no hard shoulder.

A man died on the same stretch in February after his car collided with a barrier.

A fire service spokesperson said: "Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews from Worcester, Bromsgrove and Droitwich Fire Stations were called at 1.30pm on May 16 to an RTC on the M5 Southbound between junctions 5 and 6 where a car was in collision with an HGV.

"Police, Ambulance and Air Ambulance are also in attendance.

"One casualty had been extricated from a vehicle before the arrival of the fire service and is now in the care of the air ambulance."

We are covering the latest news from the crash live at: www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/20142127.live-updates-serious-crash-closes-m5-motorway-near-worcester/