A MAN died after a three-vehicle crash on the M27 which brought traffic chaos to the area on Friday.

Traffic was brought to a standstill on the first day of the school summer holiday getaway after the collision on the eastbound carriageway at junction two at Ower around 10.45am.

The collision between a green 4x4 and a stationary highway maintenance vehicle closed the carriageway for more than three hours while investigators examined the scene and removed the wreckage.

The route was already expecting heavy traffic with the start of the school summer holiday getaway.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said the green 4x4 vehicle was travelling eastbound when it was involved in a collision with the rear of the maintenance vehicle parked on the hard shoulder, before hitting an HGV also travelling eastbound.

The highway maintenance crew was cutting the grass on the verge at the time of the collision.

The male driver of the 4x4 was confirmed dead at the scene.

No-one else was injured in the incident.

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance helicopter was called to the scene with both carriageways closed to allow it to land.

The westbound carriageway reopened around 1pm while the eastbound carriageway remained closed until after 3pm.

PC Phil Constable from Totton Roads Policing Unit said: “We had to close the eastbound carriageway for approximately three hours. During that time we were able to divert traffic over junction two to continue eastbound.

“The westbound carriageway was also closed for about an hour to allow the air ambulance to land and to assist with the recovery at the scene.

“As part of our investigation into the circumstances of the collision, I’d like to hear from anyone who witnessed it or who saw either vehicle prior to it.”

Police on Friday were trying to trace the man’s next of kin.

Motorists were delayed for up to 40 minutes with queues stretching back to the A31.

Traffic on the M27 and A31 was expected to be heavier than usual, which was for many families the first day of the school holidays.

Witnesses should contact Hampshire Police on 0845 045 45 45 quoting Operation Hexham or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.