Van driver killed in A34 Tot Hill crash

The van driver died in the crash shortly after 07:00 GMT.

A van driver whose vehicle collided with a lorry amid sub-zero temperatures has died.

The crash happened on the southbound carriageway of the A34 near the Tot Hill services, Newbury, shortly after 07:15 GMT.

Police said the driver was 46 years old and from Southampton. His front seat passenger was seriously injured.

The road was closed in both directions between the A303 and the A343 for about 14 hours.

'Difficult conditions'

It reopened after 21:00 GMT following a police investigation and having been retreated with salt.

The Highways Agency said road conditions remained difficult in the area.

BBC reporter Joe Campbell said weather conditions were "horrendous" at the time of the crash.

He said the lorry, travelling northbound, appeared to have crashed through the central barrier after hitting some ice.

Insp Barry Long thanked drivers for their patience

A lorry driver was seriously injured in a separate crash, involving another lorry and a car, on the northbound carriageway at Highclere, police said.

The impact pushed the lorry into the barriers protecting the supports of a road bridge over the A34.

Insp Barry Long said: "We would like to thank everyone for their patience in what are particularly difficult conditions, with temperatures as low as -7C.

"Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the deceased as this time."

Police said all traffic trapped in tailbacks on both carriageways had now been released.