A serious early morning crash involving pedestrians came days after locals raised fears there would be a fatality at the location, the Oxford Mail can reveal.

Seven people were taken to hospital after the incident on the A40 in Eynsham in the early hours of Sunday morning (July 9).

But it is not known yet how many of those hospitalised in the crash were pedestrians.

READ MORE: 'A complete joke': Cyclists furious with 'dangerous' path

Last week residents hit out at the ‘dangerous’ pathway now ‘half its orginal’ that runs alongside the A40 between Oxford and Witney.

The path has become overgrown with grass, weeds and overhanging branches.

But Oxfordshire County Council maintained on Friday that the route is safe to use, saying that the path had been trimmed at the start of June.

Oxford Mail:

They have since said that they will assist Thames Valley Police in their investigations into the cause of the collision.

Witney resident and cyclist, Paul Elliott said: “It is now very dangerous to pass oncoming cyclists and pedestrians safely.

“The grass and weeds have encroached onto the actual path making it less than half its original width.

“I’ve reported this several times over the last few years to FixMyStreet each time being told this complaint is closed or already reported by someone else.

“This is a complete joke. If the maintenance was kept up it would cost less in the long term.”

FixMyStreet is a website which allows people to inform their local authority of problems needing attention.

Other residents have raised concerns about the height of overhanging trees on the pathway.

One person commented on FixMyStreet: “It is not possible to cycle along this stretch without having to lower your head.

“This stretch of the cycle path is sloped and consequently is a fast section when travelling towards Oxford with no barriers between the cycle path and major trunk road.

“If a cyclist were to collide with this tree branch, the cyclist would fall into the traffic lane of the A40 with traffic arriving from behind with the potential for very serious injuries."

Improvements to the walking and cycling route on the A40 are due to be discussed at the Oxfordshire County Council cabinet meeting on July 18. 

Oxford Mail:

Councillor Duncan Enright, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for travel and development strategy, said: “This investment in travel along the A40 is much needed.

READ MORE: Repeated flooding of road needs 'further investigation'

"Our intention is to make it easier to access West Oxfordshire, and to make best use of the funds available to improve bus services and prioritise active travel.

"The new, improved cycle route will offer better and safer facilities for residents and visitors alike.”  

"Council suggestions include the addition of controlled crossings and upgraded shared-use paths to make walking and cycling safer along the historically congested A40 between Witney and Oxford."