A MOTORCYCLIST and pillion passenger were killed yesterday after being involved in a collision with a lorry at a notorious accident blackspot.

The incident happened on the busy A491 dual carriageway near the Clent junction at around 2.05pm.

The driver of the articulated lorry was taken to Redditch's Alexandra Hospital suffering from shock.

The motorcyclist and passenger, who have not been named, both died at the scene.

Insp Steve Craig, from Kidderminster police, told the Advertiser/Messenger: "The accident occurred at a junction which is a notorious accident site and two people have been killed in what is a very tragic accident."

Police, fire and ambulance crews were called to the scene and the road was closed between the Fairfield and Hagley islands until 5.30pm.

A single lane on each carriageway was due to be reopened at around 6pm last night.

This latest fatal accident is one of many to have occurred on the notorious road during the last three years -- there have been 50 casualties, and following yesterday's crash, five deaths.

Two years ago Worcestershire Highways Partnership in Bromsgrove put forward a £100,000 scheme to close off right turns along the dual carriageway, including the one at Clent.

Scores of residents and businesses objected to the scheme and the A491 -- What Price Lives? committee was formed to oppose the plans and instead called for two roundabouts to be installed.

A two-day public inquiry is due to take place next month where an independent Government officer will make a final decision on the partnership's plan.

Partnership manager Jon Fraser said: "There have been numerous accidents at this junction and our scheme is trying to prevent them."

Anyone who witnessed the crash should call Kidderminster police on (01562) 820888.