Motorists have been urged to avoid one of the main routes to and from the south after a minibus crash this morning (July 24) left three adults in a life-threatening condition at Southampton General Hospital.
Six people who were walking wounded – including two children – were also been taken to the hospital after the single-vehicle collision at 9.48am on the southbound carriageway of the M3 between junctions 5 and 6 at Old Basing.
The group of nine Romanian nationals were travelling on holiday when the minibus driver lost control following a suspected blown tyre.
It had been travelling in lane three of the motorway, crossed the carriageway and left the road where it overturned, throwing at least two passengers from the vehicle.
The northbound carriageway was also closed initially but swiftly reopened, however the southbound carriageway at junction 5 to 6 is expected to remain closed until about 4pm.
Diversions are in place at Junction 5 directing vehicles onto the A30.
Witnesses should call 101 quoting Operation Woodruff.