Motorcyclists die in collision with van on the A326 Marchwood bypass as road and infant school are closed

TWO motorcyclists have died following a collision with a van on the A326 Marchwood bypass at Totton early this morning (Wednesday).

The accident happened near Twiggs Lane just after 6.15am and involved a blue Mercedes Sprinter, and a black Honda and a white Yamaha motorcycles.

Both of the riders, a 38-year-old man from Gosport and a 49-year-old man from Southampton, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The road was closed in both directions between Dibden Roundabout and Staplewood Lane, and Marchwood Infant School was forced to shut for the morning. The road had reopened by 1pm, and the school also opened its doors for the afternoon.

Witnesses are being sought, as well as motorists who may have dash cam footage that could help the investigation.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area at the time and saw what happened, or saw the three vehicles driving in the area prior to the collision,” the force spokesperson said.

“In addition, if you have dash cam footage of the vehicles and/or the collision, please call us.

“Any information you have, no matter how insignificant you feel it might be, could help aid our investigation.”

Traffic delays of around one hour were reported northbound on several roads approaching the bypass, including Main Road, Marchwood Road and Jacob's Gutter Lane.

The road closure forced Marchwood C of E Infant School to shut its doors for the morning due to many of its staff being unable to gain access to Twiggs Lane where it is based.

A Facebook post by the school said: "After consultation with the police, we have had to make the difficult decision to close the school as a serious road traffic incident has closed Twiggs Lane.

"Many staff are unable to get into school and much of the local area is gridlocked.

"We are extremely sorry for any inconvenience caused."

Anyone with information about the collision should contact officers on 101, quoting incident reference number 44210400737.

Information can also be provided online at https://bit.ly/3a9NqZx

A fundraising page has also been set up to help the families of the motorcyclists, visit https://gofund.me/6fe8e8a3