The southbound lanes were closed while the crash was cleared

The 44-tonne articulated lorry was travelling southbound, just north of the Botley interchange, when it lost control and overturned at about 4.30am.

A car transporter carrying a cargo of Jaguar cars and a 20-tonne HGV then smashed into the lorry, which left wreckage strewn over both carriageways.

The driver of the car transporter is in a serious condition in hospital.

'Complete nightmare'

The other two drivers were also taken to hospital with minor injuries and shock.

The southbound carriageway was closed until Tuesday night while the debris and vehicles are cleared away.

AA spokeswoman Rebecca Rees said: "This morning has been a complete nightmare for motorists on the A34, with thousands of drivers caught up in queues.

"As well as problems on the A34 itself, the A40 was jammed solid and the A420 saw tailbacks of more than seven miles.

"The A34 is one of the most important routes in the country, connecting the south coast with the Midlands. It carries more traffic than it was designed for, and has no hard shoulder.

"As a result, when accidents occur, there is no emergency lane to clear the wreckage to."