Arrest made after women killed in horror crash on M42 motorway

Two women have been killed in a horror crash on the M42.

The accident, involving a Vauxhall car and a Mercedes van happened, with two women believed to be from Welshpool, one in her 60s, and another in her 50s, pronounced dead at the scene near Curdworth.

The 37-year-old van driver, from Birmingham, was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs, and has been released while police investigate.

Emergency crews were called to the northbound carriageway between junctions 9 and 10 at about 3.20am today.

Police confirmed the two women had died in the crash, and that the driver of the Vauxhall, a man in his 70s, and a front seat passenger, a man in his 30s, had been assessed by ambulance staff and did not require hospital treatment.

Warwickshire Police Inspector Gary Bridgewater has launched an appeal for anyone with dash cam footage to come forward.

He said: “This was obviously a very sad incident.

“A thorough investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding the death and as such, we would appeal for anyone who was travelling along that stretch of motorway at the time to come forward.

“Officers are also keen to speak to anyone with dashcam footage of the incident. Any information, no matter how small, may be significant in our investigation.”

A police statement added: “Next of kin have been informed and are being assisted by specialist officers.

“The driver of the Mercedes van was given treatment on scene before being taken to Heartlands Hospital with suspected back pain and a hand injury.”

Claire Brown of West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “Crews arrived to find a serious collision involving a car and a van.

"Sadly, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save two passengers in the car, two women, and they were confirmed dead on scene."

Both carriageways were closed for several hours after the crash.