A woman in her 60s has died and a man has been left seriously injured following a three-vehicle collision on the M40 motorway. Warwickshire Police have arrested a 54-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and he remains in police custody.
Collision details and emergency response
Emergency services, including West Midlands Ambulance Service, Warwickshire Police, and fire crews, were called to the southbound carriageway of the M40 between junctions 16 and 15 just before 10.55pm on Sunday, 21 June 2026. The crash involved three vehicles.
Upon arrival, paramedics found a female passenger in her 60s in a critical condition. Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. A man sustained serious injuries and received emergency treatment before being transported to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire under emergency driving conditions.
Arrest and police investigation
Police have arrested a 54-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He remains in police custody as enquiries continue. Officers are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage from anyone who was travelling on the M40 southbound near Henley and Warwick around 11pm on Sunday.
Two other men involved in the collision were assessed for minor injuries and discharged at the scene.
Road closure and expected reopening
The southbound side of the M40 remains closed between junctions 16 and 15, with the road expected to fully reopen around 1pm on Monday, 22 June 2026. Police have advised motorists to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival, crews found a woman. Sadly, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene. Crews also found a man in a serious condition. He was treated before being conveyed to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire under emergency driving conditions. Two other men were assessed for minor injuries and discharged at the scene.”
Police added: “Enquiries are ongoing and we’re asking anyone with dashcam footage, who witnessed the collision or who has information that can help to get in touch via the link in comments. Please quote incident number 472 of 21 June.”
