Police this afternoon confirmed a man in his 40s had died at the scene near Warwick. His next of kin has been informed.
Horrifying footage captured at the scene showed firefighters tackling a vast lorry fire this morning, as a second HGV blaze was reported on the other side of the motorway, also between junctions 15 and 16.
Rescue teams were still at the site this afternoon, with firefighters extinguishing the smouldering lorry while motorists were on diversion.
Warwickshire Police released this statement: "Police and emergency services were called shortly after 4am to reports of a collision involving three lorries on the northbound side of the carriageway between junctions 15 (Warwick) and 16 (Henley).
"Officers remain at the scene. The M40 northbound is currently closed between junctions 15 and 16 and is expected to remain so throughout the afternoon.
"A man – believed to be in his 40s – was pronounced deceased at the scene. His next of kin has been informed.
"Formal identification is yet to take place and a file will be prepared for the coroner in due course."
Were you affected by the fire? Email photos, footage and your experiences to [email protected] or ring 020 7782 4370
The M40 northbound will remain closed throughout the afternoon, police said, while the southbound stretch is also shut due to the separate fire.
Motorists reported standstill traffic, with one road user saying they had been queuing for at least three hours.
Eerie photos showed a massive stretch of motorway entirely empty this morning as recovery vehicles were sent to remove a burnt-out lorry.
Highways England confirmed the M40 in Warwick was closed in both directions and reported long delays on the M42.
Highways England advised road users travelling on the M42 northbound to follow the "Hollow Circle" diversion symbol and exit the M42 northbound at J3.
They advised anyone travelling from further afield heading for The Midlands or North West to consider using the M25 Watford or the M1.
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