M50, England — An eight-day-old baby was taken to hospital after a car collided with a motorway barrier and overturned on the M50 between junctions 1 and 2 on Monday, May 25, 2026. West Mercia Police confirmed that a 37-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol as officers appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage.

According to the police statement, the collision happened at approximately 6:15 a.m. The driver, described as a woman in her 30s, was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, while the infant was transported to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The extent of their injuries was not detailed in the police appeal. <Link url=”https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2026/may/appeal-following-road-traffic-collision-on-the-m50/” title=”West Mercia Police’s official statement”/>.

What Happened in the M50 Crash?

The collision involved a Peugeot 308 that struck the nearside barrier between junctions 1 and 2 before overturning. The crash prompted an emergency response and caused disruption for motorists travelling along the motorway.

Witness accounts published after the incident described the car lying upside down and damage to the motorway barrier. Members of the public reportedly stopped to call emergency services and help locate the baby before professional responders completed the rescue.

Police have not confirmed every detail circulating in witness accounts, and the precise circumstances that led to the collision remain under investigation.

Woman Arrested on Suspicion of Drink-Driving

West Mercia Police confirmed that a 37-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol.

An arrest on suspicion does not establish guilt. The investigation is ongoing, and the available police statement does not provide further details about any subsequent charging decision or court proceedings.

Officers are seeking information to help establish the circumstances leading up to the crash.

Baby and Driver Taken to Hospital

The eight-day-old infant was taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for medical assessment. The driver was transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for treatment.

Police did not provide a detailed medical update in their public appeal. Reports describing specific injuries should therefore be treated cautiously unless confirmed by an authoritative source.

The incident has drawn attention to the seriousness of the collision and the importance of establishing exactly what happened.

M50 Traffic Disruption and Road Conditions

The crash caused disruption on the M50 between junctions 1 and 2 while emergency services attended and the scene was dealt with. Damage to the nearside barrier also required attention.

Motorists seeking information about any continuing restrictions should consult current National Highways traffic updates, as the original incident occurred in May 2026 and its immediate traffic conditions may no longer apply.

Police Appeal for Witnesses and Dashcam Footage

West Mercia Police appealed to anyone who witnessed the collision or may have recorded the moments leading up to it on a dashcam to come forward.

Anyone with relevant information can contact PC Paul Pickering at paul.pickering@westmercia.police.uk, as stated in the official police appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the M50 crash happen?

Police said the collision occurred at approximately 6:15 a.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026, between junctions 1 and 2.

Was a baby involved in the collision?

Yes. West Mercia Police confirmed that an eight-day-old baby was taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital following the crash.

Was anyone arrested?

Police confirmed that a 37-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol. This is an allegation, not proof of guilt.

What caused the crash?

The available police statement does not establish the cause. The circumstances of the collision require investigation.

How can witnesses contact police?

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has relevant dashcam footage can contact PC Paul Pickering at paul.pickering@westmercia.police.uk.

Disclaimer

Information here is for general information purposes only. Details in this report are based on the published police appeal and should be checked against official updates where necessary. An arrest on suspicion of an offence does not mean that the person has been convicted.