Driver killed in M54 horror smash

A motorist died on the M54 after his Renault Megane left the road and ploughed into a tree. The motorway near Wolverhampton was closed for several hours.

A passenger was also injured in the accident yesterday.

A section of the westbound motorway was closed between junctions two for Shifnal and junction three for Wolverhampton and motorists faced diversions.

Fire crews, ambulance services, the Midlands Air Ambulance and the police all attended the accident which happened at 2.50pm.

Steve Parry, of West Midlands Ambulance Service, said crews found a car had left the road and was found on an embankment. It hit a number of trees.

He said: "The driver, a man, was immediately assessed by crews but unfortunately nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed deceased at the scene.

"The passenger, also a man, was out of the vehicle on the crew's arrival. The man was treated for a head injury and . . . conveyed to Princess Royal Hospital in Telford for further assessment and treatment."

The west-bound carriageway of the M54 was closed until 8pm. Drivers were diverted along the A449.

Wolverhampton office worker David Briggs, 39, said: "I was going home to Ironbridge at 5pm and it took me two hours instead of the usual 40 minutes."