M27 fatal crash: Motorway between Fareham and Southampton fully reopened after horror crash and repairs

The westbound route between junctions nine and five were shut off since February 21. Repairs were out to the gantry following a collision between a lorry, Nissan Juke and Volkswagen Polo shortly after 12.30pm on Wednesday.

The lorry driver, a man in his 30s, died at the scene despite the best efforts of the emergency services. Three people, a 32-year-old man, a 37-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman, all of no fixed abode, have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

They were taken to hospital. A motorway gantry was damaged following the collision, with the lorry also catching fire. National Highways organised a diversion route, with huge tailbacks being caused while the repairs took place. The motorway has now been fully reopened.

The transport body said: "The lane 1 (of 4) closure that remained on the #M27 westbound between J7 (#HedgeEnd) and J5 (#Southampton) has been lifted. All lanes are fully open on the carriageway. Traffic flowing well in the area. Have a safe journey."