Man dies in M50 crash as drivers stuck for hours

Drivers remained stuck on the carriageway in the evening

A man has died following a crash involving two lorries on a stretch of the M50 motorway.

The crash happened at about 10:50 GMT between junctions two for Ledbury and one for Tewkesbury.

The eastbound carriageway remains shut as accident investigation work is under way, West Mercia Police said.

Posting on social media, some drivers said they had been stuck in the trapped traffic for more than nine hours.

John Hancock, 81, said he missed a vital hospital appointment due to being stuck on the M50 with no access to food or water.

He said: "It's absolute chaos and no-one knows what is happening.

"I'm shaking and feeling frazzled, I don't know if it's from the adrenaline or dehydration.

"It's hopeless, nothing is moving and no-one has come to check how we are doing.

"At the current rate of progress, I predict that I'll be here all night."

Traffic has remained at a standstill all day

Darek Krieger has also been trapped for hours.

He said: "I spoke to neighbour drivers and they feel seriously disappointed and disrespected.

"We were close to Junction 1, a mile from the accident site, so I expect to be one of the last to be rescued.

"At 19.10 GMT we were directed backwards to Junction 2 but we are still queueing and have only moved half a mile. The situation is terrible."

One person said they were trying to reach an event in Birmingham, while another described being stuck in the car along with their severely disabled child.

"We apologise to those who have been stuck in their vehicles since this morning and appreciate your patience," police said.

"Our officers are doing their best to support those who are stuck in the traffic."

Traffic service Inrix said the crash had left an oil spill on the eastbound carriageway and lane two remains closed on the westbound side.

It said traffic was being released from the rear of the queue, but it would take some time to clear all vehicles.

A diversion has been set up via Junction 2 has been set up.