M3: Man dies after falling from motorway bridge with Hampshire route closed for nine hours

A man has died after falling from a motorway bridge - with the route being shut for hours while emergency services worked at the scene.

The M3 has been closed for much of today following the incident earlier this morning (October 12). A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson confirmed that a death has been reported from the scene.

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They said: “Officers were called at 3.29am this morning (Monday, October 12) following reports that a man had fallen from the bridge on Allbrook Way, Eastleigh, onto the M3 at junction 12. Emergency services attended, but sadly the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“A collision involving two vehicles also occurred following the incident. The man's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.”

The M3 southbound has since been reopened after being closed for more than nine hours. A diversion route was set up while officers carried out their investigation. Vehicle recovery work was also organised.

Delays of up to 40 minutes were reported from the scene when the motorway was reopened. According to Nation Highways, this equated to four miles of congestion.