DRIVERS, MPs and campaigners say they are surprised more weren't injured or even killed in the "absolutely tragic" eight-vehicle pile-up on the A34.

A 58-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after the crash near the Hinksey Hill Interchange on Thursday night injured 13 people. He remained in police custody last night.

A 31-year-old woman and child who were seriously injured in the incident remained in hospital in a critical but stable condition last night.

The crash sparked fresh calls for the government and Highways Agency to make the road safer.

Oxfordshire County Council leader Ian Hudspeth said: "These tragedies cannot be allowed to continue.

"We have been calling for improvements to the A34 for as long as I can remember but it has been constantly overlooked.

"There needs to be urgent action before there are even more accidents."

Sam Wise, from Greater Leys, was driving towards Abingdon at about 8.15pm when he saw aftermath of the crash.

The 25-year-old said: "I drive along that road every day and there are always problems. There were a few cars in brutal condition. One car had half of it missing and the lorry was completely smashed up.

"I read the update today and I was surprised more were not injured or had passed away."

Banbury MP Victoria Prentis added: "It is absolutely tragic that there has been yet another serious crash on the A34.

"My thoughts are prayers are with all those who were injured, with their families, and with the emergency services who responded

"Addressing concerns about the safety of the whole A34 must be a priority for decision makers – we do not want to see any more accidents on this road."

The smash happened at 7.30pm near the Hinksey Hill Interchange, just beyond the slip road.

Eight vehicles including one lorry were involved.

The two seriously injured were taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital along with three others who had minor injuries.

Police shut the northbound carriageway while paramedics, five ambulance crews and the fire brigade dealt with the crash site, which caused long delays for several hours.

One witness said a pregnant woman needed to be cut free from her vehicle.

The smash comes just two weeks after Tracy Houghton, her sons Ethan, 13, Josh, 11, and her partner’s 11-year-old daughter Amiee Goldsmith, were killed in a horrific eight-vehicle crash on the A34, near East Ilsley.

MP for Wantage Ed Vaizey said he would be meeting with Oxford West and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood early next month to discuss how they could "lobby for improvements to the A34".

He added: " We do need to ensure we can put in place both immediate and long-term changes to improve road safety on the A34."

Insp Gavin Biggs, of the joint operations unit for roads policing, said: "If you witnessed this incident, or were travelling on the northbound carriageway and saw something you believe is relevant to our investigation, please contact Thames Valley Police on 101 and quote URN 1440 25/8."