Chaos unfolded on the M5 north of Bristol after a trailer overturned in a dramatic crash, causing gridlock and spilling fridges across the carriageway. All lanes on the motorway between Gloucester and Cheltenham were sealed off after the incident on Sunday, September 29, as a trailer disintegrated and shed its load of domestic appliances.
BBC Gloucestershire shared dashcam footage depicting the vehicle and trailer zigzagging across lanes before breaking down into wreckage, dispersing numerous white goods upon the tarmac. Footage shows vehicles dodging the debris, with many coming to a halt amid the unfolding chaos.
Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed that the crash didn’t result in any injuries. However, all three lanes were blocked as the emergency services attended the scene and the wreckage of the vehicle were cleared.
Lengthy delays were experienced by motorists who were caught in approximately six miles of queues, it was reported at the time.
Imagery released by National Highways showcases the aftermath of the crash, with the battered shell of the trailer still hitched to its vehicle amidst scattered fridges and various domestic appliances. The additional rubble appeared to include metal worktops and cabinets, reports Gloucestershire Live.
At the time of the mishap, Gloucestershire Police reported: “We were called at 3:18pm on Sunday. A vehicle towing a trailer has jack-knifed. All three lanes are shut due to the obstruction on the road. There are no injuries.”
BBC Gloucestershire reported: “This dashcam footage shows a trailer disintegrating – and shedding what appears to be fridges on to the #M5. Traffic had to be stopped on the northbound carriageway at Junction 11 on Sunday 29 September 2024, causing six miles of congestion.”