Police launch investigation after fatal crash on M40

The crash happened on the south bound carriageway between junctions 16 and 15 at about 12.50am and involved a silver Ford Transit minibus and a white Daf lorry.

One of the passengers in the minibus, a female, was declared dead at the scene and a second female passenger was taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire with serious injuries.

The male driver of the minibus was also taken to hospital with a suspected broken arm.

The lorry driver was not injured.

Officers have arrested a 43-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

He was taken into custody at Leamington where he is being questioned.

The southbound carriageway was closed for much of the night and although one lane is now open there are still traffic delays.

The name of the deceased woman will not be released until the formal identification process has been completed and all close relatives informed.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or saw either vehicle before the collision occurred is asked to contact PC Matt Morrall of the Warwickshire Police Major Investigation Unit on 415415.