A truck driver has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving following a fatal crash on the M27 this morning (August 14).
A motorcyclist, aged in his 40s, died in the collision on the westbound carriageway between the junctions with Hedge End and Eastleigh, at 6.40am.
The M27 westbound was closed all morning while police and road death investigators carried out their investigations. The road was reopened to traffic at around 2.30pm this afternoon.
Inspector Steve Wakeford from the Hampshire Constabulary Roads Policing Unit said: “A driver of a waste truck has now contacted us following the death of the motorcyclist.
“He has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and failing to stop.”
Hampshire Constabulary initially said that a green Biffa lorry collided with the motorcycle but then said other witnesses had described it as a high-sided skip-type lorry and that they were no longer sure of the colour or which firm it might be from.
Insp Wakeford added: “I would like to highlight that the truck he was driving was not a Biffa truck. The information we received initially that the motorcycle was in collision with a Biffa truck was not conclusive.
“It is important to stress that we are keeping an open mind about the collision until we have collated all the evidence and ruled out the possibility of any other vehicle being involved.
“That’s why it’s absolutely vital that anyone who witnessed the collision this morning or has any information that can help us should get in touch.
“We are investigating an extremely serious incident which involves a number of police teams and agencies.
“For the sake of a proper investigation, we have to make sure we’ve covered every base and fulfilled our duty to the motorcyclist and his family. We have to conduct an investigation which satisfies all of their questions and the coroner’s questions.”
Although the M27 westbound carriageway has been reopened police have warned motorists to continue to expect delays while traffic gets back to normal.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Hampshire Constabulary quoting Operation Santawood on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.