AN investigation into a “nightmare” stretch of motorway is needed after a man died following a crash, drivers have said.

M5 northbound between junctions 6 and 4A was closed for 15 hours after Monday’s fatal crash involving two lorries and a van, causing major tailbacks.

Police are appealing for witnesses with one man having suffered fatal injuries following the crash at 3.15pm at the junction 5 sliproad for Droitwich.

Nobody else is believed to have been injured.

Chemicals had spilt out across the carriageway, resulting in resurfacing works before the road was re-opened at 6am on Tuesday.

“This is a notorious section of the motorway – accidents constantly. This needs independently investigating, surely?” wrote Jon Alix Haywood on Worcester News’ Facebook page.

Tina Hodgson said: “That bit between junctions 5 and 4A is a nightmare at the moment with the phantom roadworks.

“People change lanes in very odd ways up there.”

Jenny Clayton said she drives on this stretch every day, as well as covering East Midlands and East Anglia.

“This stretch of motorway is the worst with the most accidents,” she said. “There is nothing smart about this motorway. Daily crashes it’s getting ridiculous.”

No other details about the person who died have been released.

Two ambulances and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene, as well as officers from West Mercia Police.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a van that had suffered severe damage after getting caught between the two lorries.

“Sadly, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the van driver and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The driver of the front lorry, a man in his 50s was assessed at the scene for knee pain and shock but was discharged.

“The 60-year-old driver in the rear lorry was assessed at the scene and taken to WRH with minor cuts and abrasions.”