M-way blocked after lorry crash

Hundreds of Midland motorists were caught in tailbacks up to three miles long when an articulated truck overturned, blocking three lanes of the busy M5 motorway for more than five hours.

The driver escaped unharmed.

Police believe the crash at Junction 4 Lydiate Ash, near Bromsgrove, on the northbound carriageway may have been caused by the vehicle skidding on the wet road surface.

The crash left cardboard boxes strewn across the carriageway after the lorry from Coopers of Cannock hit the central reservation at about 2.35pm. Diesel was also leaking from the lorry.

Motorists travelling north were diverted off the M5 at junction 4 and were able to rejoin at junction 3. Others were advised to leave at junction 4a and continue their journey on the M42.

The volume of traffic which left the motorway at junction 4 caused tailbacks on surrounding roads including the A491 road to Hagley, the A449 Kidderminster to Wolverhampton Road and the A448.

Motorist Mrs Julia Lehan, who travelling back from Birmingham to Stourport, said: "It completely pushed the central crash barrier out of shape and bulging across the southbound section."

A spokesman for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We called for an environmental protection unit as well because diesel was leaking over the road."

No-one was available for comment at W D Cooper Transport Ltd today.