Five hurt in multiple collision on M5 near Cheltenham
Five people have been injured in a multi-vehicle collision on the M5 in Gloucestershire.
The ambulance service said one driver had been flown to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol with a serious head injury and remains in a life-threatening condition.
The M5 was closed between junctions 10 and 11 overnight but two lanes in each direction have now reopened.
A 55-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.
The man, from Gloucester, has been released on police bail while further investigations are carried out.
'Airlifted to hospital'
One lane in each direction of the motorway remain closed as repairs are being carried out to the central reservation.
Gloucestershire Police said seven vehicles were involved including five cars and a lorry.
"A white Renault van, that is thought to have been involved in the incident, was located on the exit slip road of the M5 northbound at junction nine and a man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving," a police spokeswoman said.
"The driver of one of the vehicles, a man, has been airlifted to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol with serious injuries.
"A female passenger in the same vehicle has been taken to Cheltenham General Hospital."
John Oliver, of Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS), said they had received several emergency calls reporting the crash at about 17:15 GMT.
"Callers reported a lorry travelling northbound just past junction 11 had been in collision with several cars - at least some of which were travelling southbound," said Mr Oliver.
GWAS also confirmed that a male driver had been taken to Cheltenham General Hospital for precautionary checks.
And a further two had been discharged after being assessed by a doctor at the scene.