Two people are dead and 12 others injured following a horror multi-vehicle crash on the M40 in Buckinghamshire today.
Emergency services rushed to the scene between Junction 4 (High Wycombe) and Junction 5 (Stokenchurch) at around 8.15am.
Thames Valley Police said two people sustained serious injuries.
Both sides of the motorway were closed for more than three hours to allow an air ambulance to land.
The route remains closed southbound, though northbound re-opened at 11.30am.
Officers are carrying out collision investigation work and then vehicle recovery and clean-up will take place, National Highways said.
The force went on to say: "Officers attended a report of an RTC involving multiple vehicles at around 8.15am today. Sadly two people have died. Their next of kin has been informed.
"Two more people have been taken to hospital with serious injuries. A further 10 people sustained minor injuries, some of whom have been taken to hospital.
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"If anyone saw what happened, or has any dash-cam footage, who has not yet spoken to officers, please get in touch. You can do this by calling 101 or online, quoting reference 43230032159."
A National Highways spokesperson added: "The M40 in Buckinghamshire is closed southbound between J5 (Stokenchurch) and J4 (Handy Cross / High Wycombe), due to a serious collision involving multiple vehicles. The incident occurred shortly before 8:15am this morning.
"Thames Valley Police, Fire, Ambulance Services and National Highways Traffic Officers attended with Thames Valley Air Ambulance landing on the northbound carriageway. The northbound carriageway was also closed, but reopened circa 11:30.
"Due to the nature of the incident, Thames Valley Police are carrying out collision investigation work.
"Once complete, vehicle recovery and carriageway clean-up work can begin. The closure is expected to be protracted and in place for a considerable time today."
