Named locally as Justin Buxton, the 50-year-old was driving a Volvo HGV lorry on the M40 near the Oxford services when he collided with a bridge on Tuesday (April 30) afternoon.

Emergency services closed the motorway in both directions throughout the evening and into the early hours of Wednesday (May 1).

READ MORE: Fire services respond after house blasted by lightning strike

Thames Valley Police confirmed the death of the lorry driver on Wednesday afternoon who has been since named locally as Mr Buxton, who is believed to be from Rugby in Warwickshire. 

He previously worked as a driver via Pertemps for the Royal Mail before leaving in 2021 and it is understood he was most recently a full-time employed driver for DHL.

Following the incident, tributes have been paid to him online and in the Oxford Mail’s book of condolence where he was described as a “wonderful” man and a “loving husband”.

Jemma Johnson wrote: “A loving husband, dad, grandad, brother and son, who has left a massive hole in our family.

“Your laugh and strength will forever be missed.”

Stuart Pocknell added: “Justin you will always be in my heart.

“All the laughs we had, the parties, my wedding, the drinks, the Take That concert, we did watching the kids grow up, all gone in a split second.

“RIP my friend.”

Steve Randall wrote: “A poor man just going about his job. Life can be so cruel. Taken early and when least expected.

“My thoughts are with you and your family.”

READ MORE: Pedestrianisation of city centre street goes ahead despite concern

Thames Valley Police is continuing to appeal to those with information on the crash, which is understood not to involve any other vehicle.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was also called to the incident with its rescue tender and an appliance from Rewley Road Fire Station attending.

Structural engineers were called out to ensure the bridge was safe before the road was reopened at around 1.30am.

Public transport services were heavily disrupted throughout the day and there were delays of up to 45 minutes while the incident was dealt with by emergency services.

Traffic was flowing freely at the scene in time for Wednesday morning's rush hour.

The scene after the crash (Image: Paul Frost)PC Steve Lane of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said: “My thoughts remain with the family of the man who died following the collision.

“We are carrying out an investigation into the collision, and asking any witnesses or anyone with dash-cam footage of the incident to please come forward.

“If you have information then please provide through our online reporting pages, quoting reference 43240198522 or by calling 101 quoting the same reference.”

The Oxford Mail has launched a book of condolence for people to leave their tributes to the driver online.