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Horsebox and van were stationary at time of M6 collision
14 August 2012
INVESTIGATORS believe a horsebox and van involved in a collision that closed the M6 yesterday were stationary when they were hit by a lorry.
Officers looking into the cause of the southbound collision – near the 4a junction with the M42 at around 2.20pm – understand the horse transporter and a Vauxhall Combo van were both stationary in the inside lane before the impact.
West Midlands Police Inspector Mark Watkins, from the force’s Collision Investigation Unit, wants to hear from motorists who may be able to shed light on why the vehicles had stopped.
“We now know the drivers of these vehicles had stopped in the inside lane and were out walking on the carriageway when an oncoming lorry collided with them,” he said.
“What we need to understand is why the vehicles stopped and why the occupants were standing in a live lane.
“I would urge anybody who either witnessed the collision or the vehicles stationary before impact, to contact us at the Collision Investigation Unit.”
Two people were airlifted to hospital with serious injuries – a 49-year-old man from Willenhall, Walsall, who was the driver of the van and a 40-year-old woman from Oswestry, who was the driver of the horsebox.
Both remain in a serious condition in hospital this afternoon (14 August).
The horsebox had been carrying three horses at the time of the collision; one died and the other two were tended to by a vet at the scene.
The southbound carriageway of the M6 re-opened at around 11.40pm.
Witnesses should call West Midlands Police’s Collision Investigation Unit on 0121 322 6098.
