Motorists face delays of around 90-minutes on the M5 in Somerset after a teenage girl died in a crash on the motorway. Emergency services were called to the rad, between Taunton and Bridgwater, at around 11pm on Monday, November 11 following reports of a collision involving a car and a pedestrian.
The pedestrian, a 17-year-old girl was sadly confirmed to have died at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by a specially trained officer. Avon and Somerset Police has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior police contact.
The motorway is expected to remain closed until at least 12pm today (Tuesday, November 12) while an investigation is carried out at the scene. National Highways reports severe delays in the area, with 90-minute delays and around seven miles of congestion in the southbound direction.
There are delays of around 30 minutes and two miles of congestion northbound. Traffic camera images show huge queues have formed.
Drivers are being diverted around the crash site via the A38, which is also backed up as motorist take the alternate route. National Highways said: “The M5 in Somerset is closed in both directions between J24 (Bridgwater) and J25 (Taunton) due to an Avon and Somerset Police-led incident.
“National Highways have resources in attendance assisting with traffic management. Due to the nature of the incident, the road is expected to be closed until at least mid day today.
“Delays are building – now 90 minute delays southbound and 30 minute delays northbound, above normal journey times – on the approach to the diversion routes.”
Avon and Somerset Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash, or who has dashcam footage which may be relevant, to contact officers on 101 and give the call handler the reference of log number 1170 of 11 November.