Words and photos by Michael Seymour, Andrew Napier and Stuart Martin

Police have interviewed a man under caution after two people died in a crash involving three lorries and an Audi on a Hampshire motorway.

A man and a woman died as a result of the collision, which took place on the M3 (northbound) between junction 10 for Winchester at Bar End and 9 for the A34 at Winnall at around 10.30am on Monday, causing tailbacks of more than five miles.

Two of the lorry drivers also sustained minor injuries; one was taken to Southampton General Hospital and the other was taken to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester.

Now Hampshire Constabulary is appealing for anyone with dash cam footage or information about the crash to come foward.

A 63-year-old man had been interviewed under caution by police in connection the collision, and was released under investigation.

On Monday, officers closed the motorway in both directions between junctions 10 and 11, but the southbound carriageway reopened at around 11.45am. It was closed to allow the air ambulance to land.

One lane of the northbound carriageway was opened shortly before 2pm, but the inside and middle lanes remained closed for around 11 hours while the recovery and clean-up operation took place.

Highway England confirmed the road has reopened shortly before 10pm on Monday evening.

At its peak, there were delays of nearly two hours stretching back towards junction 13 for Eastleigh (northbound).

Traffic in and out of Winchester was also affected by delays. Drivers faced:

  • 40-minute delays northbound on Otterbourne Road;
  • 30-minute delays inbound on St Cross Road/Southagte Street;
  • 20-minute delays Badger Farm Road between St Cross Road and the Pitt roundabout;
  • 40-minute delays on A34 southbound from Three Maids hill to junction 9 M3.

Sergeant Mark Furse, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This was a very serious collision which led to the deaths of two people.

“Officers spent a great deal of time at the scene conducting enquiries, but would now like to appeal to the public for any assistance.

“We would like to speak with anyone who witnessed the collision and the events leading up to it, but would also like to view any dash cam footage that passing motorists may have been able to film.

“If you think you can help us, please call us immediately.”

Specialist officers will be supporting the families of the man and the woman who died.

Anyone with information about the crash is urged to call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting 44170212966.