TWO separate crashes on the M42 during Tuesday’s evening rush hour saw 13 vehicles left strewn across the carriageways near Bromsgrove.

Both incidents occurred at almost the same time just after 5pm on the southbound carriageway of the motorway, between junction two for Alvechurch and junction one for Bromsgrove.

The first collision involved nine vehicles, some of which sustained what has been described as ‘fairly significant damage’.

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “Thankfully there were no injuries.”

The second collision involved a van, a lorry and two cars.

The spokesman continued: “Two middle aged men had suffered neck and side pain. They were immobilised using neck collars and spinal boards and were taken by ambulance to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.

“Two women in their twenties also went to the same hospital; one, who was pregnant and was taken as a precaution, while the other was complaining of muscular neck pain.

“Due to the number of vehicles involved and for the safety of emergency services personnel, the motorway was closed for a period which resulted in extensive congestion in the area.

“However, considering the situation and number of vehicles involved, it is indeed fortunate that there weren’t more serious injuries.”

Firefighters from Redditch and Bromsgrove attended both scenes and the collision blocked several lanes causing severe congestion, with the M42 closed to traffic while the road was cleared.