A LORRY driver accused of causing the death of a man in a crash on the A34 appeared in court this afternoon. 

Plamen Atanasov, 48, from Violet Road in Southampton, is charged with one count of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. 

The victims of the crash were named in court. 

Ian Messenger died after being involved in yesterday morning's crash. He was a passenger in a van and was 33-years-old. Mr Messenger's next of kin have been informed.

Thames Valley Police said the van driver, 64-year-old Barry Smith, suffered serious injuries which are not believed to be life threatening.

Atanasov showed no emotion as their names were read out at Oxford Magistrates' Court. He will remain in custody and will appear at Oxford Crown Court on November 10. 

The crash between the lorry and the van closed the carriageway both ways between Milton and Marcham.

The road was initially closed in both directions after a lorry and van crashed on the northbound stretch, shortly after 5.30am, but the southbound carriageway reopened at about 8am. 

All three emergency services were on the scene and drivers were urged to avoid the area.

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The A34 at 7.20am yesterday morning. Pic: Google Maps

Police have asked anyone with information about the crash to call 101 quoting reference 115 12/10/17. 

South Central Ambulance Service spokesman David Gallagher said two rapid response vehicles and three ambulances were sent to the deal with the collision. 

Before the road reopened, northbound drivers in standstill traffic were being turned around to travel south to exit. 

Video and pic by Rob Williams

Rob Williams, who was among those stuck in traffic, said lorries and trucks were left 'stranded' while cars were able to manoeuvre to exit the queues.

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Several people reported being stuck in congestion for up to two hours.

Queues were severe elsewhere including through Abingdon and villages of Kennington and Sutton Courtenay, as drivers tried to avoid the A34.