Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a fatal collision on the M27 that caused the closure of a section of motorway.
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Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary were called to reports of a multi-vehicle collision around 12.30pm on Wednesday (Feb 21) at junction five.
It involved a Mercedes lorry, Nissan Juke and Volkswagen Polo.
The motorway subsequently was closed between nine and five, causing a knock-on effect to traffic in surrounding areas.
Officers have now launched an investigation and three people have been arrested.
A 32-year-old man, a 37-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman, all of no fixed abode, have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. They have been taken to hospital.
The driver of the lorry, a man in his 30s, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His family has been notified and are being supported by specially trained officers.
Officers are now appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.
A spokesperson said: “Were you in the area at the time of the collision? Did you see anything that could help? Do you have dashcam footage?
“Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting the reference 44240076451. Alternatively, go online and submit information.
A westbound motorway closure remained in place on Thursday morning, with traffic again building in Southampton. Motorists were advised to check their route before travelling. Government company National Highways said the closure was to allow for an overhead gantry to "allow for an overhead gantry to be removed following serious damage sustained during a collision/vehicle fire". Its website suggests a Hollow Square diversion route via the A27.
Update: 23/2 from National Highways South-East: "The overhead gantry has been removed and the #M27 westbound is now open between J9 #Fareham and J5 #Southampton following a serious collision yesterday. A lane 1 (of 4) closure remains in place past the scene for continued repairs to roadside technology."