THREE people have escaped serious injury after a gritting lorry and a fuel tanker were in collision on the M42 near Redditch in the early hours of this morning.

The crash happened on the northbound carriageway, just after junction three at about 1.40am.

A rapid response vehicle and the Hazardous Area Response Team were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, the ambulance staff found a gritter with rear end damage while the tanker had front end damage.  Fortunately, it did not appear serious.

“Much of the early concern related to any potential damage to the tanker, which was empty, due to the vapours inside.  This was quickly reduced as the tank was completely intact.

“The two men in the gritter and one from the tanker were assessed but they were unhurt and did not require hospital treatment.