An inquest has been opened into the death of a 33-year old man killed in a motorway crash.

Mark Smith, from the Tonbridge area, was one of two men who died in the crash in Oxfordshire.

He was a passenger in a black Vauxhall Astra when it left the carriageway of the M40.

The driver, Alexander Green, 29, a martial arts teacher born in Pembury, but now living in Stratford-Upon-Avon, also died.

The coroner reading from a police report said: “The vehicle left the carriageway and collided with the near side barrier. It hit a sign before bursting into flames."

The causes of death were given as multiple injuries and the effects of the fire including smoke inhalation.

Thames Valley Police said both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

The accident happened on Monday, July 27, between junctions 10 and 9. The car was travelling towards London.

Both men's next of kin have been informed.

The inquests were opened and adjourned at Oxford Coroner's Court on Tuesday.

A full hearing is due to take place on January 14 2016.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to call 101 quoting URN 1494 27/7.