The northbound M5 motorway between Droitwich and Bromsgrove has been completely closed after a multi-vehicle accident and chemical spillage on the road.
Emergency services initially closed three out of four lanes on the motorway between Junctions 5 and 4A after two lorries collided at around 10.15am this morning (Thursday, June 18).
However, all lanes have now been closed and long delays are expected, not only on the M5 but the connecting A38 as traffic diverts.
Four patients were treated at the scene by West Midlands Ambulance Service - who also sent a hazardous materials response team to the site.
One man was taken to hospital and three other patients were assessed and discharged at the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival we discovered two lorries that had been in collision.
"There were two cars further up the carriageway that are also believed to have been involved.
“In total ambulance staff assessed four patients. The driver of one of the lorries, a man, was treated for injuries not believed to be serious before being taken to Worcester Royal Hospital for further assessment.
“The driver of the second lorry, a man, was assessed and discharged at the scene, as were a further two patients from the cars.
“The collision resulted in one of the lorries causing a chemical spillage on the carriageway which our colleagues from the fire service dealt with.”
Please be aware that there are delays of 60 minutes above the usual travel time on approach to this #M5 closure. With traffic spanning 4.8 miles back to J6. Please consider alternative routes where possible and allow extra time for your journey. @HWFire @WMerciaPolice pic.twitter.com/FtP2aiAZqc
— Highways England (@HighwaysWMIDS) June 18, 2020
Drivers are being advised to use alternative routes, as police, ambulance and fire services continue to deal with the ongoing incident.
Workers have been clearing the spillage throughout the afternoon with motorists suffering delays of more than an hour and traffic tailing back almost five miles to Junction 6 near Tibberton.
Emergency services are currently responding to a collision on the M5 northbound between J5 and 4A.
— Bromsgrove Police (@BromsgroveCops) June 18, 2020
The incident involving a car and a lorry happened at 10.15am today (Thursday 18 June) and the road is currently closed. Expect delays in the A38 through #Bromsgrove pic.twitter.com/EOVfNgTdTn
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "Emergency services are currently responding to a collision on the M5 northbound between J5 and 4A.
"The incident involving a car and a lorry happened at 10.15am today (Thursday 18 June) and the road is currently closed while officers respond."
Due to updates from scene the #M5 Northbound between J5 #Droitwich and J4a #M42 link will now be totally closed to a serious spillage. Please use alternative routes for travel.
— Highways England (@HighwaysWMIDS) June 18, 2020
A Hereford and Worcester Fire Service spokesman confirmed that several crews had been dispatched to the scene of the accident.
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