A woman has been killed in a horror crash that has shut a busy motorway, leaving drivers trapped for hours in a miles-long tailback during the morning rush.
The woman was driving a car that collided with a 4x4 in the northbound lanes of the M5 near Birmingham shortly after 5.30am.
An off duty paramedic and witnesses tried to help the injured woman, whose car was wrecked, until paramedics arrived and took over.
She died at the scene despite their efforts. Two men in the 4x4 escaped injury.
Police have shut the M5's northbound lanes in Worcestershire between junctions 5 and 4A of the M42.
The lanes are expected to remain closed until 12pm.
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Drivers are facing lengthy delays and have been urged to avoid the area.
Driver Jim McKenzie, who was awarded an MBE after leading the greenkeeping team at golf's Ryder Cup in 2010, posted a photo on Twitter of vehicles trapped by the closure, writing: "My view for the last 2 hours - stuck on the M5 - not moved an inch - avoid if you can - serious accident ahead!"
West Mercia Police said: "Officers were called to the northbound carriageway shortly after 5.30am this morning (Wednesday) following reports of a collision involving two vehicles.
"The northbound stretch is ... expected to remain closed throughout the morning with motorists advised to follow diversions and take an alternative route where possible.
"Traffic is being diverted via the A38."
Chief Superintendent Tom Harding said: "We appreciate this is causing disruption for the morning motorists and we would ask that they please be patient and bear with us while we deal with the incident.
"As I'm sure the public can understand, we are in the process of investigating a serious collision. This will require a detailed investigation which may take a number of hours to complete.
"We are working with partners to ensure the road is open as soon as possible and are doing all we can to minimise closure times.
"We are also sending officers to the surrounding areas to ensure those who may be caught up in the traffic can be on their way as soon as possible.
"We would like to thank everyone for their support and understanding at this time."
A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "On arrival, ambulance staff found a car that had suffered considerable damage.
"An off duty paramedic and bystanders were trying to assist the car driver.
"Unfortunately, despite all efforts, it was not possible to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.
"Two men in the 4x4 were assessed but were unhurt and were discharged at the scene.”
Highways England said: "The M5 in Worcestershire is closed northbound between J5 (Droitwich) and J4A (M42) due to a serious two car collision.
"West Mercia Police investigation is underway with the road expected to remain closed until approx midday.
"Work to clear the vehicles stuck within the closure is ongoing and we are continuing to turn the vehicles around to return to J5 (rearward relief), please await official instructions before doing so.
"In addition due safety concerns and the volume of congestion J6 (Worcester north) northbound entry slip road has been closed.
"Traffic is being diverted and should follow the solid diamond symbol. Exit at J5 and take the 3rd exit onto the A38 northbound continuing across the M42 to re-join the M5 at J4.
"There are long delays in the area and traffic heading towards the region is strongly advised to plan their journey in advance."
