POLICE have made an arrest after a fatal crash on the motorway near Redditch and Bromsgrove last night (July 9) and have launched an urgent appeal for witnesses.

Four cars and a lorry were involved in the collision just before 9pm, which resulted in three of the cars setting fire and eight patients for ambulance staff to assist.

The driver of one of the Volkswage Golfds suffered devastating injuries and was found dead inside the fire-ravaged car. The person is yet to be formally identified.

The driver of the other Golf, a man in his 20s, received minor injuries to his foot.

The driver of the Renault Kadjar, a man in his 70s, received a broken arm along with cuts and abrasions.

His passenger, a woman also in her 70s, received a broken arm, leg and pelvis. Both were taken to hospital for treatment.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received the first 999 call to the M42 southbound between junctions 2 and 1 at 8.55pm and sent two ambulances and two paramedic officers to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Three of the cars were well alight when crews arrived.

“The fire service worked quickly to extinguish the fires but upon doing so, a patient was discovered in one of the cars.

“Unfortunately, it immediately became apparent nothing could be done to save them and they were confirmed deceased.

“An off-duty technician, who was in traffic just behind the accident, immediately went to assist upon seeing the collision and with the help of bystanders, managed to pull a woman from one of the burning cars.

“She was treated for minor burns and am arm injury and taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

"The quick-thinking actions of those who rescued the woman undoubtedly saved her from suffering far more significant injuries.

“From the same car, the driver, a man believed to be in his 50s, managed to get himself out of the vehicle. He was treated for minor injuries and taken to the same hospital.

“A driver of another car, a man, was treated for a knee injury and taken to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch for further treatment.

“Four other patients, including the driver of the lorry, were assessed and discharged at the scene with minor or no injuries.”

A 52-year-old man from Exmouth in Devon has since been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He remains in police custody while investigations are ongoing.

Investigating officer, Police Sergeant Rob Gilligan of Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG), said: "We would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the circumstances leading up to the incident.

"Anyone with information is asked to call West Midlands Police on the non-emergency telephone number 101 quoting 2832 of July 9."

The crash, which involved a HGV, Renault Kadjar and two Volkswagen Golfs, caused major delays on the soutbound motorway, which continued well into the next morning.