AN ACCIDENT at the intersection of the M42 and the M5 resulted in two fatalities and a number of minor injuries, as well as hours of chaos for Bromsgrove's commuters.

The collision occurred at junction 4a on the northbound carriageway of the M5 last Thursday at 10.55am between a white Volvo lorry and a red saloon car.

The intersection, one of the busiest in the country, was closed for five hours between 11am and 4pm, and traffic was diverted along the M42 northbound.

The accident caused an eight-mile tailback and commuters on the A38 between the centre of Birmingham and Bromsgrove faced delays.

The two people in the car, men aged 43 and 49, both died. The men were pronounced dead at the scene.

PC John Hardiman, of the Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG), said a number of people in other vehicles suffered injuries.

The CMPG closed the motorway to search for evidence and to clear the highway.

PC Hardiman added that an investigation into the crash was continuing.

"Officers are particularly keen to trace the driver of a large goods vehicle who may have seen the red car moments before the crash," he added.

Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to call the Central Motorway Police Group on 0121 322 6025.