THE M5 has been closed in both directions near Halesowen after a fatal crash involving a lorry and a car.

Two people have died and one person was injured in the smash which happened near Frankley services at around 11.38am when a HGV travelling north smashed through the central reservation between junctions three and four, hitting a Merecedes on the southbound carriageway.

Both the driver and passenger of the car were killed and the HGV driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “Despite the best efforts of ambulance crews arriving on scene, nothing could be done to save the two casualties and they were confirmed dead shortly after the arrival of the emergency services.

“The driver of the lorry was found to be trapped in his cab. He was later released with the help of ambulance crews and firefighters, before being treated for arm and neck injuries. He was taken to Worcester Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

The motorway remains closed in both directions and is likely to remain so for some time. The incident is being investigated by officers from the Central Motorway Police Group.

Witnesses to the incident are asked to contact police on 0121 626 1285 and quote incident number 902 of 13/05/11.