M42 motorcyclist fighting for life after crash with multiple vehicles

Police have launched an urgent appeal for witnesses after a motorcyclist in his 60s was left seriously injured in a crash that closed part of the M42 for hours

A motorcyclist is fighting for his life after a serious crash with multiple vehicles on the M42 on Friday night, October 18. 999 crews raced to the collision, between a motorcyclist, a van and a car, just after rush hour.

The multi-vehicle crash took place just after 6:30pm on the M42 southbound at junction 2. West Mercia Police confirmed that the male motorcyclist, in his 60s, was rushed to Queen Elizabeth hospital with "life-threatening injuries."

The M42 southbound at junction 2 for Redditch was initially blocked and then closed from around 8pm on Friday night, with large tail-backs as motorists were told to avoid the area. The stretch remained closed on the southbound side to allow for a recovery and clear up works.

READ MORE: M42 closed southbound near Redditch as serious crash causes hours of delays

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National Highways confirmed the southbound side re-opened completely at 1:40am on Saturday morning. A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "We are appealing for witnesses to a collision on the M42 yesterday evening (18 October).

"The collision happened around 6:40pm, west bound near to junction 2, when a white Scania HGV, a grey VW Polo and a white Triumph motorbike collided. The motorcyclist, a man in his 60s, was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital with life threatening injuries.

"Officers would like to speak to anybody who may have seen the collision or from anybody who has dash cam footage from around the time it happened. Please contact Police Constable John Martin by emailing john.martin@westmercia.police.uk

"Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name, and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111."

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