Fatal Crash on M27 near Southampton Airport Leads to Three Arrests

A tragic incident unfolded on the busy M27 near Southampton Airport, resulting in a fatal collision involving a Mercedes lorry, Nissan Juke, and Volkswagen Polo. The crash occurred on a Wednesday just after 12:30 GMT, leaving the lorry driver, a man in his 30s, deceased at the scene.

The aftermath of the collision forced the closure of the westbound lanes of the M27 between Fareham at junction nine and junction five. Commuters were rerouted at junction nine to the A27 as authorities worked to manage the situation.

Reports from Hampshire Police revealed that the lorry, which was involved in the crash, later caught fire, causing substantial damage to a nearby gantry. This led to prolonged closures and disruptions along the route.

Following the tragic incident, two men aged 32 and 37, along with a 40-year-old woman, have been apprehended on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Notably, all three individuals were reported to be of no fixed abode, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the crash.

While the suspects are currently receiving medical treatment in a local hospital, a woman who was in the Nissan vehicle at the time of the collision sustained minor injuries. Investigators have urged anyone who witnessed the crash or possesses dashcam footage to come forward and assist in piecing together the events leading up to the tragedy.

The ripple effects of this devastating incident continue to be felt across the region, prompting a wider examination of road safety and law enforcement measures. Stay updated with the latest developments on this story by following BBC South on Twitter and other social media platforms.