A40 crash: Woman killed and others injured in 20-car horror pile-up near Witney

Francesca Gillett28 December 2016

A woman has died and another person is fighting for their life after a 20-car horror crash in Oxfordshire.

Up to 15 others were hurt in the pile-up, which happened on the A40 during thick fog on Wednesday morning.

The smash happened on the major road just before the exit for Witney, the former PM David Cameron’s constituency.

Six cars were seriously damaged and up to 15 others were also involved across a 1km-long stretch of road.

Crash scene: The smash happened on a 1km-long stretch on the A40 in Witney.
Ben Starkey

A spokesman for the South Central Ambulance Service said one person was seriously hurt with life threatening injuries, another had serious injuries and up to 15 others were also injured. Police confirmed one woman had died.

Motorist Martin McBride said: “Just avoided pile up on A40 while on way to Churchill hospital. At least one fatality just in front of me.”

Ami Louise Gatson, who said she called the ambulance after witnessing the crash, said: “Car crashed into barrier on A40 half a mile before Witney exit, blocking right lane.

“We called ambulance. Really dangerous as can’t see car until your [sic] on top of it.”

Lorry driver Ben Starkey, who witnessed the crash, said weather conditions were foggy and the road was icy.

Horror crash: Police said they were called at 8.25am on Wednesday morning.
Ben Starkey

He said the crash happened ahead of him and added: "Lucky enough I managed to stop my HGV."

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said they were called at 8.25am this morning following reports of a crash involving multiple cars.

He said: “Officers are at the scene along with the fire and rescue services. A number of people are believed to have been injured.

"Road closures are currently in place and drivers are advised to avoid the area."

Traffic is reportedly queuing for a mile and a half following the crash as the road is closed both ways.

Paramedics in three ambulances, three rapid response cars, and the air ambulance car raced to the scene. The weather was too foggy for the air ambulance to be scrambled.

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