A WOMAN is in a 'life-threatening' condition after a car crashed and overturned on the M40. 

Traffic ground to a standstill after the crash on the northbound carriageway between J10 at the exit for Brackley and J11 for Banbury but has now cleared.

South Central Ambulance Service spokesman David Gallagher said they were called at 9.07am after the car ended up on its roof and its driver, thought to be about 50, suffered 'serious injuries'. 

Paramedics were sent in a rapid response car, two ambulances and the air ambulance which caused closures on both sides of the road. 

He added: "The female driver of the car, approximately 50-years-old, has been transported by road to the John Radcliffe Hospital in a life-threatening condition.

"Members of the air ambulance team have travelled with the patient."

Traffic stuck immediately behind the crash on the northbound carriageway was being diverted past, but the road is now clear.

The southbound side was closed while the air ambulance landed but all lanes have since been reopened, though remains congested due to people slowing to look. 

A minor crash blocked one lane of the same stretch earlier this morning but was quickly cleared.